Paris is a city that will only leave you wanting more. The city's spirit is so refreshing and is filled with so much history and beauty. It's hard to stay away. Here are my 2 fils on where and what to do in the city. <3❤️.
HOW TO GET AROUND
There are certainly many ways to get to see gorgeous Paris. Some easier than others. I opted for those that didn’t require me to use whatever French I claim to speak.
UBER: Probably the simplest (paid) way ever for tourists to get around town. My rides from and to the airport and hotel were a breeze and I was able to get a better rate by using 1 of the then-available discount codes! This website is also super useful to compare fares: https://ride.guru/
Walking: There’s nothing quite like walking through Paris’ streets. Definitely one of the most picturesque cities I’ve ever set my eyes on. If you’re up for the task, put your most comfortable shoes on and wander the city of light all day and night.
WHERE TO SLEEP
The very authentic and cozy Le Belle Juliet Hotel is a great place to stay in Paris. The 4 star boutique hotel is conveniently located next to many tourist attractions and is a lovely place to stay in. The rooms were impeccably clean, and nicely decorated, but small. The helpful staff made it all the more charming.
Hotel Le A is a very cute boutique hotel perfectly located near the Champs-Élysées. The rooms are very modern and uniquely decorated. Staff was very attentive and helpful in giving recommendations. It’s an excellent option for a convenient location.
The Regina Hotel is definitely worthy of a mention. Pricier than the other 2 hotels, but very much worth the extra dineros (euros in this case). Has phenomenal views of the Tuileries Gardens and is right by the Louvre, a must-visit. Outstanding service and beautiful rooms.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
Musee d’Orsay in Paris is an architectural masterpiece. The well preserved museum, once upon a time a train station, now houses world class art from different artistic genres for everyone to enjoy. I’d recommend reading up on the popular exhibits to truly appreciate what lies beneath. Don’t miss the climb up to the clock tower for great views of Paris. P.S if you plan to visit several museums and monuments, the Paris Museum Pass is a great money saver.
The Tuileries Garden is a beautiful park which separates the Louvre from the Place de Concorde. Originally the royal garden of the Tuileries Palace created by Catherine de Medici to remind her of Medici’s Florentine gardens, the area is open to the public and is a fantastic place to stop and enjoy some icecream in between seeing the Louvre Museum and Place de Concorde. I’d start at the Louvre as the lines there get quite busy early (P.S closed on Tuesdays) and later enjoy one of Paris’s loveliest walks through the garden and on to the Place de Concorde.
Celebrate love without locks down at the Pont des Arts bridge over the River Seine. After snapping a few shots, make a short visit to the Sainte-Chapelle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and an absolutely breathtaking chapel. The upper part of the chapel is where you’ll catch the stained glass windows against the light and revel in its beauty and sheer elegance. Carry forward to the Notre Dame and step inside to witness fantastic gothic architecture.
Museums aside, Paris’s streets were made to be walked and admired. Wander along the Champs-Élysées, the Boulevard Saint Germain de Pres, Avenue Montaigne, and Le Marais. Great stores to shop from (or window-shop). If possible, try to complete the Global Blue Tax forms and refunds in store, as the lines in the Charles de Gaulle airport can be super long.
You’re never too old for a trip to Disneyland Paris. Book a trip directly though the website to see the magical land which also offers return transport from Paris. Although it may seem that you have many hours to spend there, the lines to the attractions can be quite long and may take away from your valuable time. We loved the Big Thunder Mountain, Ratatouille: The Adventure, Crush’s Coaster, and Sleeping Beauty Castle. Keep in mind that some of these attractions close for maintenance throughout the year.
WHERE TO EAT
Le Relais de l’Entrecôte offers a single course menu: a walnut salad followed by a super tender sirloin steak with frites served with the restaurant’s unrivaled secret sauce. The restaurant opens only at noon and at 7PM and doesn’t allow advance bookings, so you’re likely to queue. My 2 fils would be to arrive 15-20 minutes earlier to get the best seats. My sister and I took the same advice more seriously and lounged at the café right next door 2 hours early waiting for the magic doors to open. Address visited: 101, Boulevard Montparnasse.
I’ll admit. My visit to Kong was very much Carrie Bradshaw inspired. The American Girl in Paris episode was filmed at this effortlessly chic restaurant which definitely warrants a visit. The food was quite good, but also pricey. The window views, on the other hand, were unparalleled. Try finding a better place to admire the Pont Neuf and Seine. Definitely requires an advance booking and a table by the windows.
I’m a big burger fan, and set out to find Paris’s best burger joints. Paris New York was hands down the best of the tried and tested lot. Staff was very friendly and sat down to explain the brief French menu. Had fresh and tasty burgers paired with fries and their epic vanilla ice milkshake. The place is small and cosy, and perfect for a quick burger bite.
Waltz over to Lafayette Gourmet to enjoy some of the best desserts of all time. The building is opposite the retail Galaries Lafayette and has several floors of food stalls and restaurants. Stop by Pierre Hermé for a slice of their epic Infiniment Vanille cake (thank you Steph for this fantastic recommendation) and then grab an éclair from l’Éclair de Génie. Their vanilla, mascarpone, and caramel flavours are to die for! I would get these bites to go and then go up to the main Galaries Lafayette rooftop to savour these bites from a gorgeous city-gazing spot.
The Ladurée on the Champs-Elysées is not to be missed. You may be surprised when you find a line queuing outside what may appear to be a café, but is in fact a gastronomic experience. Once you beat the lines, definitely treat yourself to their delicious macarons. They have fantastic gift boxes as well which make fantastic Paris souvenirs to bring back home.