The Paris Guide
General Tips | Eating | Sightseeing
General Tips
There’s a reason so many people have a love affair with Paris. People talk about it being the most romantic city in the world and think it’s for couples but I can think of at least dozens of people I know who found a little more love for themselves here. Get lost and get found, you could say!
General Travel Tips
Much like any major European city, there is the tourist stops that you should see once in your life but the real magic of Paris is when you get to go beyond that!
Pick your traveling companion wisely for a trip to Paris. You will have the most fun if even those small moments, sitting at a bistro, lounging in a park, is a lovely relaxed vibe. Get into the Parisian way of mind.
I love Paris in the early fall or late spring. Shoulder seasons where weather is pleasant and there aren’t peak crowds. I’ve done it in 4 day weekends and as long as you are ready to jam pack your days with walking and food, it’s a great trip!
Staying in Paris
Hotels in Paris range from best-in-the-world and glamorous, to tiny and suspect. I’ve had good luck with AirBnB in the Marais but recently, my favorite spots have been The Solly Hotel and Victoria Palace Hotel. For a budget pick, Hotel Dominique.
That said, if I was willing to splurge a little or a lot, there are some fabulous hotels to try. Meghan Donovan (Wit & Whimsy) is a Paris expert and has some great recommendations here.
Eating in Paris
Restaurants
Chez Janou (Le Marais)
A lovely Provencal spot tucked on an adorable corner in the Marais. The food here is delicious but you really come here for the chocolate mousse. It’s lovely in the afternoon or can be a really romantic dinner spot. This is probably the one spot in Paris I say to all my friends they must try at least once.
Le Deux Magots (St. Germain)
This is one of the classic French bistros in St Germain. (The competitor is Cafe de Flore around the corner.) Of the two, Le Deux Magots is definitely my favorite. Whether for a little coffee or a bottle of wine and some charcuterie, it’s a lovely spot to sit and and enjoy the streets of Paris.
Frenchie Wine Bar (2nd Arr)
A more casual sister of Frenchie that is way easier to get seated in. A cozy, low key vibe with delicious food. A highly recommended spot (and in a neighborhood where you don’t hear about as many great spots).
Merci (Le Marais)
A cafe inside of a really innovative department store. Go here for brunch and ideally sit at one of the tables with a view of the adorable little courtyard.
Pink Mamma (Montmatre)
A part of the Big Mamma restaurant group, best known for Ober Mamma. They do excellent Italian food with sort of Soho House vibes. Pink Mamma has a bunch of levels and the upstairs are even more beautiful than the downstairs (although all of them are great). There are lines to get a table though, so plan accordingly (and order pizza and the buratta once seated).
Coffee and Sweets
Boots Cafe (Le Marais)
A cute facade (you’ve probably seen photos of it on Instagram) with a yummy but often bustling coffee shop inside. Stop in when you’re walking through the neighborhood for an espresso!
Ob-La-Di (Le Marais)
Tucked into a side street with some really pretty tile work inside they have great coffee and delicious banana bread. I went here multiple time on my last trip!
Berthillon (Il Sant Louis)
The famous ice cream shop on the little island in the Seine. Chocolate and a fruit flavor in a cone is the right order. Many have their favorite ice cream shops in Paris that they all claim are better than Berthillon. This may be true but I haven’t been to those places so in the meantime, I recommend a stop at Berthillon, even considering the line.
Pierre Herme (8th Arr)
There is many an opinion on La Duree vs. Pierre Herme. La Duree is more famous in the States but in my opinion, Pierre Herme is definitively better. The more sweet, creamier flavors at Pierre Herme are extraordinary. There are locations throughout the city. The Champs Elyesees is the most decadent, fancy location but I’ve also been to the one near Place Vendome which is also lovely.
BARS
Prescription Cocktail Club (St Germain)
An upscale cocktail joint with delicious cocktails, fun bartenders and a great atmosphere. Don’t come with too many people, it’s the type of place where you don’t want to have to talk loud to be heard. Trust the bartenders on your ordering here, they’re excellent.
Bar Hemingway (Tuileries)
Tucked into the back corner of the Ritz Carlton Paris, an already incredibly luxurious and historic hotel, is a bar frequented by Hemingway. It’s old school and glamorous and very overpriced but still a really fun experience and the drinks are delicious. Plan for just one drink here because, like I said, overpriced.
Le Caveau de Hauchette (St Germain/Luxembourg)
This place is actually a cave (that’s what the name means) and it’s a popular swing dancing spot. The crew who frequents the dance floor range in ages and they’re so talented. It’s a joy to watch and feels like stepping back in time. It does involve a cover and it gets warm inside so plan your dress accordingly.
Bar Bisou (Le Marais)
A cute cocktail spot. The decor inside is lovely and very pink but the cocktails are good. Great for drinks with the girls but maybe skip it if your with a drinker of the male variety.
Sightseeing in Paris
If you have never been to Paris before, you should make time for:
The Louvre
The Eiffel Tower
Musee D’Orsay
Sacre Coeur
Notre Dame
Once you’ve been to the core spots, consider seeing:
Musee Rodin
Picasso Museum
Versailles
(a day trip, make sure to block enough time as there is a lot to see!)
