Travel Guide Paris, France

The city of love. A top bucket list destination for lovers, hopeless romantics, and fashionistas. Drinking wine on the Seine, munching on a freshly baked baguette, shopping (more like window shopping) the vast luxury boutiques, and strolling through the Louvre are just some of the most famous activities to partake in while visiting Paris. After visiting twice, I must say that the city captivates me every visit, and I hope to make a return once again! Whether you are spending 48 hours or a full weekend in the city of love, there is a lot you can cover in a short amount of time. Here is your full guide to the merveilleux, Paris.

Number of Days to Stay: 3-4 Days

Expenses: $$-$$$$

Best Time to Travel: Any time of year. Early Spring or Fall for the shoulder season and to beat the summer tourists.

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Where to Stay:

My first visit to Paris was a quick, 48-hour trip in the middle of my study abroad trip in 2017, and four of us decided to stay in the 10th Arrondissement at an Airbnb that was very budget-friendly. The accommodation was very close to the train station and was accessible to many other parts of the city we wanted to visit. Our Airbnb host was very nice and gave us many recommendations for our short trip. I did not include the 10th arrondissement below as it is not the best area to stay in now, and I have stayed elsewhere on my second trip. There are also other great neighborhoods to stay in that are more worthy of checking out! If you would still like to check out the Airbnb we stayed at, click here.

1st Arrondissement (Les Halles) – Not only is this neighborhood in a central location to easily access most of the famous attractions in Paris, but Les Halles is also known for its famous market streets! If you are a foodie and want to stroll around the streets in search of good food, then finding accommodation in Les Halles should be your first choice. Notable attractions that are close by are the Louvre, the Tuileries Garden, and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

7th Arrondissement (near the Eiffel Tower) – This is one of the most popular neighborhoods to stay in to be near the Eiffel Tower. Many of the famous hotel views of the Eiffel Tower are located in this area. It is a little pricey, but the 7th arrondissement is primarily clean, quiet, and filled with mostly hotel and Airbnb accommodations. At this location, you can walk to the Seine River, Luxembourg Palace, and the Eiffel Tower.

5^th Arrondissement (Latin Quarter) – One of the coolest neighborhoods we drove through was the Latin Quarter. This neighborhood has many cute shops, bakeries, and charming architecture. There are numerous public transit options in this neighborhood to take you all around Paris, and you are within walking distance of many historical landmarks. This part of the city is known to house students, but I wouldn’t let that deter you from picking accommodation here, as they are affordable, and if you are traveling on a budget can find many great restaurant options here as well! Not to forget, you are in the central location for access to the famous Seine River.

3rd & 4th Arrondissements (The Marais) – Museum-lovers will gather in these quarters as every corner you turn, there is a new museum to explore. From the books to the bars, this is also a hot spot for most of the nightlife in Paris! Additionally, there are unique shops and stores to find exclusive gifts and items to bring back from your trip! The one detail I did notice about this area was that there aren’t many food options, and most of the accommodations are rentals.

8th Arrondissement (Champs Élysées) – The Champs Élysées neighborhood is for all of our shopaholics. If your mission was to come to Paris and drop until you drop all luxury, then staying in the 8th Arrondissement is perfect for you! This area is flooded with everything fashion, from shopping, museums and theaters. The only attractions that are close to this area are the Arc De Triomphe, the Seine River, and the Eiffel Tower, so it is not ideal for sight-seekers, but perfect if you want to indulge in the luxury life!

Montmarte Hostels – The majority of the hostels located in Paris are in the 18^th Arrondissement (Montmarte.) Below, I have listed the best-rated in the area. This location is close to the train station and other public transportation options to get you through the city.

Where to Eat:

Bakeries:

• Café de Flore ($$) – Popular hot spot! We were lucky to get here as it is always packed and a celebrity favorite.

• Maison Louvard ($$) – Cookie + croissant = yum
• Mamiche ($) – Women-owned and run bakery
• L’Épicerie du Breizh Café ($$) – Great for crepes
• Maison Landemaine ($) – Vegan options!
• Pierre Herme Macarons ($$) – Skip Lauderee and come here for some insta-worthy macarons
• Café Pinson ($$) – Vegan options!
• Du Pain Et Des Idées ($)
• Le Petit Vendôme ($$)

French Cuisine:

• Bouillon Chartier ($$) – I have eaten here on both of my trips, and each time was just as good! The restaurant was recommended by our Airbnb host. It is one of the more popular spots in Paris, so make sure you make a reservation. They serve old French style and will write your order on the table, which I thought was so fascinating! It is also more budget-friendly than other spots we ate at during our trip.

• Parcelles ($$) – Reservation required, vegetarian dishes!
• Le Relais de Venise ($$) – One stop shop for steak frites
• Le Relais De L’Entrecôte ($$) – Bottomless steak frites
• L’Ami Jean ($$$) – Great for tasting menu if you want just a little bit of everything!
• Chez Fernand Christine ($$$)
• Girafe Restaurant ($$$$) – The most insane view of the Eiffel Tower, definitely a big splurge though
• Escargot
• Les Arlots ($$)
• Chez Janou ($$)
• Bistrot Paul Bert ($$)
• Juveniles ($$)

Overall:

• Septime ($$$$) – Fine dining restaurant where you must make a reservation! Michelin Star rated
• Elaichi Bistrot ($$) – French Indian Fusion
• Il Sorrentino ($$$) – Sick of French, you are always safe with Italian!
• CoCo ($$$) – French Brunch
• Le Severo ($$$) – Great restaurant for beef, especially steak frites
• Le Pavillon de la Reine Restaurant ($$$) – Michelin Star rated
• Café du Coin ($$)

Vegetarian/Vegan Recommendations:

Paris is a very vegan-friendly city! There are so many options to choose from, and a lot of restaurants have vegan options on the menu. Below I listed restaurants that are a mix of bakery, upscale, and casual. If I were still vegan, I would be so excited to try out these spots in Paris!

• Faubourg Daimant ($$) – Acclaimed as one of the best vegan restaurants in the city
• Le Potager de Charlotte ($$$) – Upscale
• Le Potager du Marais ($$) – French classics made vegan
• Cloud Cakes (SS) -vegan pastries and has a great brunch menu
• brEAThe Restaurant ($$) – Vegan sushi
• Datil ($$$) – Vegetarian pre-fixe menus
• mesa de HOY ($$) – Plant based Restaurant
• L’été en Pente Douc ($$) – Vegan and vegetarian options 
• Jah Jah By Le Tricycle ($$) – Afro-vegan restaurant
• Wild and the Moon ($$) – Vegan and gluten-free
• VG Pâtisserie ($) – Pastries
• Sol Semilla ($$)
• Land and Monkeys ($$)
• Aujourd’hui Demain ($$)
• Abattoir Végéta ($$$)
• La Guinguette d’Angèle ($$)
• Hank Burger ($)
• Tekés ($$)

What to Do:

Activities

• Day Trip to Versailles – One of the most popular activities to do while visiting Paris, and unfortunately, one of the many things I was unable to do (and regret) on both of my trips. You can take a train to Versailles from Paris, which is about 40 minutes and will not cost more than $7.00. Make sure to make a reservation to visit the Palace ahead of time, as it is a very popular destination and sells out quickly!

• Boat Cruise Exploring Seine – If you have limited time and want to see a lot of Paris in a short amount of time, a boat cruise down the Seine is a perfect excursion. We did this on my first trip to Paris, and it was so great being on the Seine and seeing everything during the day and into the night.

• Dinner Cruise on the Seine – What better way to have a romantic dinner in Paris, the city of love, than on a boat while getting to view the city as well! My family and I visited Paris on Valentine’s Day, so my mom, sister, and I reserved a Galentine’s Day dinner cruise, which was so special, and we got to see the iconic Eiffel Tower sparkle with hearts to celebrate!

• Shop on Des Champs-Élysées – This activity is for all of our shopaholics. Shopping in one of the fashion capitals of the world is a must, even if you are window shopping. Make sure to visit the Louis Vuitton store as it is one of the largest in the world and absolutely mesmerizing!

• Walking around Boulevard Saint Germain – Paris architecture is magnificent, and walking down Boulevard Saint Germain is the perfect way to capture just how unique it is! Not only is the boulevard great for sightseeing, but you can grab a bite to eat at its many cafes and bistros or do some shopping.

• Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour – Both of my trips to Paris involved booking at least one day of the Red Bus, aka Hop On Hop Off Tour, to get around the city. This bus stops at all the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods, and is a great way to see the amazing architecture in the city. 

• Walk Around Latin Quarter – Strolling around Latin Quarter is one of my favorite activities to do while visiting the city of love and fashion, as there are many mom-and-pop shops and places to eat that are all affordable. The buildings in the area are also great to admire. 

• Shakespear and Company Book Shop – One of the most famous bookshops in the world, especially in Paris, as it is one of the few English-language bookshops in the city since 1951.  Many famous writers, artists, and intellectuals have come to this bookshop to find inspiration and work. If you are a bookworm, this needs to be on your list of places to visit while in Paris.

• Learn how to make a Croissant – There is no better activity when traveling to a destination than learning how to make their cuisine and learning how to make a croissant is no different. If my clients are interested, cooking classes are always at the top of my lists of experiences to book.
• Tuileries Garden – One of the many gardens in Paris to visit. Perfectly located next to the Louvre and across from Musee d’Orsay, Tuileries Garden is perfect to stroll or sit and taking a break from walking and sightseeing. If you are visiting in the spring, you can witness tulips and other beautiful flowers bloom!

• Luxembourg Gardens – The Luxembourg Gardens is one of the places in Paris I love to walk aimlessly around and take in all of nature during the warmer months. It is also a great place to relax and reset. There are a bunch of trees to grab some shade and have a picnic, read a book, or one of my favorite pastimes, people watching! There are also many beautiful landmarks and buildings to see here, such as the Palace, Statue of Liberty (not as big as the one in NYC, but you get the idea), Cercle Amical et Sportif du Luxembourg, Orangerie du Sénat Museum, Harde de Cerf Statue, and more! Since the gardens are past the Latin Quarter, it’s a great rest stop before going to explore the city some more, or to hang out before a reservation!

• Walk around Montmartre – Another part of my “To Do List” when I revisit Paris is going to Montmartre, where the buildings look like a fairytale book location. You can do a self-guided tour of the area, as many maps are available online. The art and culture are very prevalent as well, so make sure you have time to grab a snack and appreciate the area and all it has to offer! 
• Palais Garnier – The famous opera house in the city. The architecture and decor is so beautiful here. If you are interested in going to an opera show, this is a great spot to visit during your stay!
• Crazy Horse Paris – My next visit to Paris will include going to a Burlesque show. Crazy Horse is rated as the best in the city.
• Moulin Rouge – Enjoy Moulin Rouge cabaret show in Paris! The tickets are a little expensive, and it may not have been my first or second choice when visiting Paris, but I will make sure I get around to a show next time I’m there!
• Cabaret Show – If you can’t get tickets to Moulin Rouge, there are plenty of other cabaret shows to experience in Paris. Something I wish I did both times I visited Paris.

• Disneyland Paris – If you are a big Disney fan and want to visit each park location in the world, then add an extra day to your trip to venture out to Disneyland! You can take a metro or bus from the city center to Disneyland Paris and be there in under 40 minutes! Although the park is smaller than any of those located in the United States, it can be worth the trip to go see Mickey, Minnie, and the beautiful castle!

Museums/Architecture

• Catacombs – One of the most chilling excursions I have ever done while traveling; I ventured into the famous Paris Catacombs by myself! This was a surreal experience, and I learned so much about history (even some very dark facts) and was a little uneasy going by myself, but I made it through and would have regretted it if I didn’t. I, of course, took advantage of the shop at the end of the tour and bought myself a skull crystal (which ironically was a stone for protection.) If you are into thrillers and history, you have to stop here!

• Louvre – Most people go here to see the Mona Lisa and immediately leave, but boy, if you are an art history fan or play Animal Crossing and see the iconic paintings and sculptures, it is so incredible having the opportunity to see them in person! I did not wait in the line where people took a selfie with Miss Lisa and left, but I did admire her from the entrance. Other notable pieces of art you can view at the Louvre are Aphrodite (Venus de Milo), The Winged Victory of Samothrace, The Raft of Medusa, and all Renaissance paintings in The Grande Galerie. You can purchase tickets and explore the museum on your own, or take a guided tour that will get you expedited entry and explain how magnificent the pieces of art truly are!

• Eiffel Tower – Whether you visit by walking by, climbing to the top, or having a picnic, there is no wrong way to visit one of the most iconic pieces of architecture in the world. My favorite way to wind down and enjoy some relaxation is sitting in the garden with a vertical view of the Eiffel Tower.

• Arc De Triomphe – Growing up visiting, studying at university, and now living in New York City, seeing the Washington Arch in Washington Square. Park was so fascinating, so visiting the Arc De Triomphe, which it was based on, was a must on my to-do list. You can walk through and around the Arc De Triomphe and take in all of its glory. My family and I started here first after getting off our Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour and walking down to Champs-Élysées to do some shopping and sightseeing.

• Pantheon – Being a privileged Greek, I decided to skip this popular monument in Paris as it wasn’t high on my “have to see” list, and nothing will compare to the Parthenon in Athens. If you are walking around the Latin Quarter, then it’s a great place to stop and admire! Many famous French historical icons have been buried at the famous church, such as Voltaire, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Pierre and Marie Curie.
• Sacré-Cœur Church – One cannot miss this beautiful church located in Montmartre. The church is not only known for its beautiful exterior architecture but also for the famous mosaic of Jesus located above the Altar. There is a fee to enter the church, so be prepared to pay if you decide to venture inside.   
• Notre Dame – Last but not least, the beautiful Notre Dame is a sight to see while visiting Paris. Although closed for restoration from the fire in 2020, Notre Dame is set to be open to the public in December 2024! I was able to visit pre- and post-fire, and although post-fire was heavily damaged, it was still great to get a glimpse of such iconic French architecture.

Nightlife

Bars

• Lavaomatic – This was one of our first stops during my second trip to Paris. This speakeasy is found behind a washing machine in a laundry mat! The upstairs part is small, intimate, and great for cocktails. 

• Rosa Bonheur Sur Seine (boat) – When you visit the city of love in the summer, this is a must-visit place to stop for a drink on the Seine
• FLOW – Another great boat bar to grab a drink and enjoy the docked boat on the Seine
• Hotel Costes – If you want to drink the best espresso martini in Paris, stop here
• The Broken Arm – A Popular bar among locals and tourists
• Candelaria – Hidden door behind the taqueria for a dance floor
• Le Moonshiner -Speakeasy in the pack of a pizzeria
• Les Disquaires – Jazz, House, and Hip-hop
• La Fée verte – Looking to try absinthe? This is your spot!
• Le 9b – Fun place to hang out with friends and drink. Foosball table and dancing inside
• Dock B – Secret cocktail bar
• La Folie en Tête – Live music
• Mismish – Wine and Vinyl Bar
• Le Syndicat – Underground speakeasy
• Little Red Door – Speakeasy
• Rehab – Speakeasy
• No entry – Doorway Speakeasy
• Grouvie – Retro speakeasy
• L’Epicier – Supermarket style Speakeasy
• Chez Jeannette
• Nolinski
• Bisou
• Bar Sotto
• Les Tres Particulier

Rooftops

• Les Obres – Full view of the Eiffel Tower
• Sky Bar – View of the skyline and the Eiffel Tower
• La Perchoir Ménilmontant – 360 view of Paris
• Creatures Paris – View of Skyline and Eiffel Tower from a distance
• Terrass Rooftop – Luxury rooftop with a great view of the Eiffel Tower
• Sequoia Rooftop – Elegant bar with 360 views of Paris and a view of the Eiffel Tower. Walking distance from the Tuileries Garden.
• Bar de la Dame des Arts – Rooftop of the Art Deco Hotel that is very close to Notre Dame and has a view of the Eiffel Tower
• Le Tout – The one balcony view is absolutely gorgeous, but will cost you a pretty penny
• Hôtel National des Arts et Métiers
• The rooftop at Hotel Paradiso – Sunday screenings of movies in a small,l intimate place, make sure to make a reservation and bring your wallet.
• The Shed at the Hôtel des Grands Boulevards
• ROOF at Madame Rêve
• Kitchen Garden Rooftop at Brach
• Maggie Rooftop
• Villa M Rooftop

Clubs

• Le mix – A club with a slide inside
• Rex Club – One of the most famous clubs in France for decades
• La Station, Gares Des Mines
• La Machine du Moulin Rouge – This three-story club hosts live music acts
• Pamela, Latin Quarter
• Petit Bein – Great 360 views on the Seine 
• La Bellevilloise – Club for hip-hop, soul, and jazz
• La Carmen – A Famous spot where influencers hang out at. Great for those who listen to hip-hop and are not into the EDM/Techno Scene.
• Cabaret Sauvage – Latin and Jamaican beats in a club. Also hosts techno and drum and bass events.
• Badabaum – The basement part of this establishment is where the party happens for disco and dance. They will host indie rock gigs on the main floor.
• Le Point Ephémère – Berlin-type club without going to Berlin! Will host hip-hop and dance nights.
• Jangal – Afrobeats
• Club Silencio
• L’Arc

Transportation:

Getting To Paris

Airport – Flying to Paris is very easy, as there are two international airports you can fly into: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Paris Orly (ORY). Both are very close to the city center and can take public transportation, but it is faster to get to the city center from CDG than from ORY. However, most travelers hate traveling in and out of CDG as it is very crowded, huge, and can be confusing. If you like smaller airports and don’t mind traveling a little longer during your trip, then ORY is the better choice! If you are looking for shopping and have a good meal before your trip, then fly out of Charles De Gaulle.

Train – The first time I visited Paris, we took the train from London, and it was so awesome to see the French countryside! The train was not expensive and very quick, getting us to Paris in just a couple of hours. This is the most popular way to travel from London, but many trains travel to Paris throughout Europe, as the train station is HUGE! You can check out Eurail’s website if you want to travel to Paris by train from another European destination.

Bus – If you are in Europe and are looking for cheaper ways to get from city to city or country to country, then taking a bus to Paris is an option! This is a cost-efficient way to travel within Paris. Although a little longer than other transportation options, depending on the city you are traveling to/from, it can be as little as 3 hours or more than 24 hours if you plan to travel internationally. This is a great way to see the European countryside and avoid the hassle of going in and out of an airport. Flixbus is a great website to use if you are interested in bus routes to other countries or within France!

While in Paris

Public Transportation – Paris is a huge city, and with that comes many transportation systems that are very commuter-friendly. You can travel in, around, and out of the city with buses, the tram, and the metro. Below is a breakdown of each public transportation system, and you can find more information on maps, routes, timetables, and ticket costs on the Paris Public Transportation website here.

• Bus – 64 bus lines run throughout the city, and it is a great way to view the city compared to getting on the more crowded, but less complicated mode of transportation, like the tram or metro. Maps are available online for train routes and are located at most bus stop stations. You can pay for a ticket to board the train, and if you want, you could pay an exchange fee if you have a metro ticket and want to convert it to a bus ticket. You can expect a bus to arrive and depart at a stop every 15 to 30 minutes. The popular bus lines run from 6:00 am to 12:45 am during weekdays, and on Friday and Saturday, they may run up to 1:45 am. Buses and routes are marked by double-digit numbers. Below are some of the most common lines to get to popular destinations.

• Metro – The most popular and cost-efficient way to get around the city is using the Metro (or, as we New Yorkers know it, as subway.) The Metro can take you not only in and around Paris but also to popular attractions just outside the city, like Versailles and Disneyland Paris. Depending on how much you plan to use the metro versus other transportation (or walking) will depend on which ticket you should consider buying will depend. The standard ticket is €2.50 and can be purchased at a RER ticket machine at the metro station or at the sales desk which is also called the “Vente.” The hours of operation vary from the day(s) of the week: Monday through Thursday, and Sunday, the metro will run from 5:30 am to 1:40 am.

• Tram – Since the subways have become overcrowded, the city reintroduced its tram transportation system and opened 13 lines within Paris. You can use a metro ticket to ride to the outskirts of town or some of the most popular attractions. The hours of operation are seven days a week! Depending on the line, the tram can run from 5:00 am-1:00 am.

Taxi/Uber/Private Car Service – You can grab a taxi or Uber throughout the city, and like any big city, they will be a little expensive, but they will get you from point A to point B faster. You can use your regular Uber app to call a car, and there will either be a driver with Uber or an Uber-affiliated service. If you do not want to use Uber, taxis are readily available 24/,7 and there are numerous companies to order, reserve, and call one. Be aware that there is a minimum spend of €6.00 per ride.

Renting ATVs / Cars / Scooters – It is not recommended to rent a car in Paris as it is a very commuter-friendly city, but there are many bike and electric scooter rental options to ride around! Downloading the Lime App is the best way to rent an electric scooter or bike while exploring the city, and you can drop it off at a bike stand or scooter spot nearest to your location! There are also Vespa scooter rental companies if you want to drive around like a European. Paris By Scooter is a famous company for rentals.

In the past couple of years, Paris has gotten some bad rap, and tourists have warned people that it is overrated. Like any other popular destination in Europe, especially a big city, you will constantly be around tourists and locals, but that is what makes Paris so great! I can see myself visiting this city a couple more times before I decide it is enough, as there is so much to do and explore. The French are nice, the food is great, there is so much rich history, and you cannot forget about the fashion! Having visited Paris in both the winter and summer, I think I prefer the winter more to avoid summer crowds and walking around the heat, but I can’t wait to visit during other seasons and enjoy all the city of love has to offer. For now, au revoir!

With Love,

Paris