Paris Travel Guide

Aaaahh, Paris...who doesn't love it? After studying abroad here for a semester in college, I can say that this city will always have a special place in my heart. 

I can't believe it had been over six years since I'd been back before running the Paris marathon this spring, and the city was as magical as ever!

While I rounded up our trip in my Paris highlight on Instagram, I also wanted to share a bit more about some of our very favorite places for you to check out next time you're in town. Plus, if you're needing some packing inspo, I have you covered here!

Keep scrolling for my recommendations for Paris eats, drinks, activities, shopping, and more :)

You could live in Paris for an entire lifetime and still not scratch the surface when it comes to delicious dining. I personally have so much more to explore, but here are some I've really enjoyed over the years!

Lunch / Cafés

• Loulou
• Les Deux Magot
• Café de Flore
• Judy
• L'Avenue
• Wild and the Moon
• Au P’tit Grec
• L’As du Falafel
• Café de l'Esplanade

Dinner

• Hotel Costes
• Pink Mamma
• Freddy’s
• Tomy & Co
• L'Avenue
• Loulou
• Clamato
• Gigi
• Pamela Popo
• Le 404
• Daroco Bourse
• Relais de l'Entrecôte
• Café de l'Esplanade
• Les Cocottes
• Le Christine
• Aux Prés
• Semilla
• Dersou
• Le Moulin de la Galette
• A. Noste
• Fitzgerald
• Chez Janou
• Giraffe
• Ralph's
• Miss Ko
• Frenchie
• Ferdi
• Casa Tua
• Petit Marche

• Four Seasons George Cinq lobby bar
• The Ritz lobby bar
• Bar Hemingway at the Ritz
• La Terrasse (on top of Galaries Lafayette)
• Bar at Girafe
• Plaza Athénée
• Experimental Cocktail Club
• Little Red Door
• Septime Wine Bar (across from Clamato - go get a glass here while you wait to be seated!)

Check out this "Paris mini guide: nightlife edition" for some fun recommendations as well!

• Café Kitsuné
• Café de Flore
• Ralph's
• Judy
• Loutsa
• Boot Café
• WHITE Coffee
• Saint Pearl
• Richart
• Ladurée
• Ritz Paris Le Comptoir
• Eric Kayser
• Maison Louvard

These "Where to grab coffee in Paris" and "Cute spots to grab coffee in Paris" posts have some great ideas as well.

• Classic must-sees & museums:
  • Le Louvre
  • Eiffel Tower (I recommend in the evening when you get to catch the sparkle for the first 5 minutes of every hour after dusk)
  • Musée d'Orsay
  • Musée de l'Orangerie
  • Centre Pompidou
  • Musée National Picasso
  • Notre Dame
  • Arc de Triomphe / Champs Elysées
  • Grande Palais / Petit Palais
  • Louis Vuitton Foundation
  • Saint Laurent Museum
  • Opera House guided tour
• Versailles - a quick train ride out of the city and so worth doing at least once in your life!
• Giverny - this tour of Monet's gardens is super special and a great day trip out of the city (about an hour and a half bus ride).
• Montmartre - a neighborhood on the top of the huge hill overlooking the city with a gorgeous basilica (Sacré Coeur) and an amazing view. Great for a picnic with a bottle of wine as well!
• Le Marais - funkier area that has become super chic and popular with great restaurants and stores. Historically the Jewish Quarter known for it’s famous falafel stops.
• Riverboat dinner cruise where you get the most incredible view of the Eiffel Tower from the water.
• Walk/run through the Luxembourg gardens.
• Shakespeare and Co - bookstore right near Notre Dame that is super famous and adorable.
• Angelina Tea House - get the hot chocolate and walk around the Tuileries gardens across the street.

• Walk through and browse the historic covered passageways.

I love these "How to spend 24 hours in Paris" and "Paris must-dos" mini guides for more guidance as well!

• Saint-Germain-Des-Pres, 6th arrondissement
• Le Marais, 3rd & 4th arrondissements
• "The Golden Triangle", Avenue Montaigne - 8th arrondissement
• Champs-Élysées
• Place Vendôme & Rue Saint-Honoré
• Rue de Rivoli

Department Stores

• Le Bon Marché
• La Grande Épicerie (my version of grocery store heaven!)
• Galeries Lafayette

Also check out the "Best Places for Shopping in Paris", plus "Where to shop at French pharmacies" (because they are SO superior to those in the US) posts for a deeper dive and more specific recommendations!

Let me know if you end up visiting any of the above, and enjoy Paris! xox