Paris is a place I always find myself going back to every year. I have always been a huge francophile, I minored in French in college and regret not studying abroad. I finally visited back in 2012 and it definitely surpassed my expectations. Since then I have been back to Paris almost every year. I know the city pretty well, but I am no expert. I do a lot of research though and I try to really immerse myself in trying to pretend I am a Parisian. Here are just few tips I have learned after visiting Paris whether it is your first time or 10th time.

Where to Stay

There are so many incredible hotels in Paris it is so hard to choose. I recommend staying in an area that is close to what you plan to do. I have stayed mostly in boutique hotels all around Paris, my favorite pictured above is Le Dokhan. It is located just a few blocks away from the Eiffel Tower yet it is not in a touristy part of town. You feel like a local staying here who has gone back in time. We have stayed both in a regular room here and in the top floor Eiffel Suite. Both rooms were great but if you want to splurge I would go with the Eiffel Suite it is totally work it. To get to the rooms you can take their real life Louis Vuitton Luggage elevator. It is incredibly small so only about 2 people can fit. It is so much fun but not for the claustrophopic. Le Dokhan bar is one of the best in Paris. It is a beautiful champagne bar that transports you back in time to the glamorous era of Paris in the 1920’s. They serve the best champagne with gougerres which are small cheese puffs and we must have had 5 helpings.

Other classic hotels that I hope to stay in:

Le Plaza Athenee

The Penninsula

Le Bristol

The Ritz Paris

Where to eat

I find trying to make the decision of where to eat the hardest. Sometimes I want to do a full 7 course sit down meal and other times I just want a street crepe. When you only have a few days you need to decided what you want to eat. Here is a list of both food items to try and restaurants to check out:

Food:

A classic street crepe, salty or sweet.

A classic Parisian breakfast with pastries.

A perfect croissant, chocolate or plain.

A croque monsieur or croque madam.

A baguette with ham and butter or ham and cheese.

Escargot- yes snails in butter and garlic so delicious!

Macarons from La Duree or Pierre Herme.

Caution: When you order a steak they really do bring it out very rare even if you do not order it that way ( ala Emily in Paris) Do not order steak if you do not like it rare.

Restaurants:

Le Train Bleu- If you are only in Paris for one day and you have one dinner, you must see this incredible restaurant in a train station.

L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon- The famous french chef has a few locations in paris, any of them are incredible.

Cafe du Flore- Once a mecca for writers in the 1920’s is now a tourist trap but you know you just have to do it!

Closseries de Lyla- Another famous Hemingway hangout restaurant.

L’Avant Comptoir- This restaurant is standing only, it might seem strange but the food is incredible.

La Duree- Not only do they have great deserts but the restaurant is also worth checking out.

MUSEUMS

Paris has some of the best museums in the world that house the greatest works of art. From big to small, they are all fantastic. Here are my favorites.

The big ones: ( you probably want to just do one in a day)

The Louvre: This is the most famous museum in the world, and for good reason! When you arrive, in order to not wait in line forever there is an underpass near the arc where you can enter from. You will actually get to see the underside of the pyramid from here. If you want to see the Mona Lisa, do it but be aware that you and about 1,000 other tourists with selfie sticks will be as there as well. The first time I saw it, I went, ok cool and then walked away. There is so much more to this museum. I recommend checking out the Napoleon rooms and the Greek/Roman atrium.

Musee D’Orsay- This is probably the best museum in Paris ( IMO) It is not as big as the Louvre, but has just the right amount of artwork. The building itself is also housed in an old train station so it is just breathtaking. Be sure to check out the famous clock while you are there.

The Grand Palais/Petit Palais- The Grand Palais showcases many different artists and always has new exhibitions going on. They also have an ice skating rink in the winter. Right across the street is the Petit Palais.

The small ones ( you can hit a few of these in a day)

Musee Rodin: I would categorize this museum as being medium in size, but it is gorgeous. It is housed in a huge mansion with beautiful surrounding gardens. His work is not only inside but of course outside. His famous statue “The Thinker” is in a rose garden. I would leave more time for this museum as it is bigger than the ones below.

Musee Jaquement Andre: Another gorgeous small museum with another beautiful staircase. They also have great small collections there as well.

Musee Gustav Moreau: A boutique museum located near Pigalle. You probably recognize the famous staircase on Instagram. The staircase is actually quite small but beautiful. It leads up to a room full of paintings.

Musee Yves Saint Laurent: If you are a fan of designer fashion then I high recommend this small museum.

Musee de Vin- Yes a wine museum! We stumbled upon this hidden gem on our last trip to Paris. It is located in such a beautiful area and one of Paris’s best kept secrets I think. For about $13 Euro you get entrance into the museum and an amazing glass of wine. The people are also SO nice there.

Montmartre

A must see neighborhood in Paris is Montmarte. You will want to take at least half a day to explore here. There are a ton of stairs leading up to the top so make sure you eat a good breakfast beforehand! Montmartre is the older bohemian neighborhood of Paris, yet of course over the years it has become incredibly touristy, but of course you must still visit because it is incredible. Climb the stairs all the way to the top where Sacre Couer Cathedral is and you will find incredible views of Paris. You can also tour the Sacre Couer cathedral and get more beautiful views from there.

Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge ( The Red Windmill) is an old cabaret that is located in Pigalle, a neighborhood right next to Montmartre. Obviously you have heard of Moulin Rouge from the movie, but it is actually vastly different than the movie depicts it to be. I still recommend going to see a show there if it is your first time in Paris. It is still a lot of fun but it is a lot smaller and more intimate of a venue.

The Eiffel Tower

No trip to Paris is complete without seeing the Eiffel Tower whether it is up close or from far away. The first thing I did during my very first trip to Paris was go see the Eiffel Tower. I was in awe of how big it actually is. I am still in awe every time I see it. I still can’t decide if I like it better during the day or at night. Fun fact, when the Eiffel Tower was built Parisians actually hated it, and many still do!

The first time I was here I went up the tower to the half way point (not the top because I am a chicken) I also think there are better views from further down. I think if it is your first time here, why not check it off the list? I would not do it again, there are much better views in Paris (especially views with no lines and are free)

Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spots

Trocadero: This view is a classic. You can see the tower head on in all of it’s glory. I recommend coming during sunrise ( ot sunset it is too crowded). It is also beautiful when it is raining because you get that reflection on the floor.

Champs de Mars- As you walk down from Trocadero there are so many great photo spots on the Champs de Mars. There are a few beautiful carousels around and during cherry blossom season this is the place to get those photos.

Arc Du Triomphe: This is probably the best vantage point in Paris. You have to walk up the spiral staircase but it is really fun, and once you get to the top you get sweeping views of Paris with the Eiffel Tower in sight.

Rue de l’Universite- A nice vantage point, very popular spot on Instagram to take a photo.

Printemps Rooftop or Galleries Lafayette- A favorite spot of mine, go all the way to the top floor and you will get a beautiful view on the terrace for free. It is usually not busy at all and Printemps is such a fun store.

Avoid Montparnasse Tower, the views are great but it is tourist central! For sunset I went up there and could barely see through all the selfie sticks.

Avenue de Camoens: It is a bit out of the way, but located in the very quiet 16th arrondissement. You get the beautiful tower surrounded by gorgeous buildings and a cobblestone street.

On Rue St. Dominique: This whole street has a beautiful view of the tower in between buildings, and also restaurants around it. It has a more bustling kind of feel.

In a hotel room: This one obviously costs the most money but it is worth it spending the extra money to wake up and go to sleep to the views. You feel as if the tower if yours alone.

What to do

Besides the famous Eiffel Tower and museums there is so much to do in Paris. Here is a short list of the best things to do.

• Eat outside at a Brasserie

• Stroll on the Seine ( The river) and if you have time visit a market and pick up some items for a picnic on the water!

• Drink Wine, and a lot of it!

• Admire Notre Dame Cathedral and go upstairs for the views (get there early to avoid lines)

• Visit the Opera Garnier, this is a must do!

• Eat a ton of cheese.

• Go to the top of Galleries Lafayette and admire the stain glass ceiling.

• Stroll through the many parks and courtyards such as the Jardin du Luxembourg or Palais Royale.

• Walk along the Champs Elysees and admire the Arc du Triomphe.

• Visit a book store like Shakespeare & Co. or book stand on the river.

• Stop into a local pharmacy or grocery store, you will find such interesting things!

• Try Mcdonald’s or fast food in Paris- No really! I honestly really wanted to try it and it was actually really good!

• Visit a food hall- All around Paris you will stumble upon big indoor markets that have a ton of kiosks with all sorts of food and gifts.

• Stumble upon an outdoor market- Full of fresh food and flowers, they can be hard to find so it is great to stumble upon them.

• Go Shopping- Paris has the best shopping of course. Try to visit local boutiques instead of big chains.

• When it rains, lost in an indoor arcade- No not for games! They are covered passageways that have such interesting little shops and cafes.

• Take a day trip to Versailles which is just about a 30 minute drive outside the city.