BONJOUR! Are you planning a quick trip to Paris? Great news, I spent a week and a half there so I have all the hot spots, tourist traps, and Instagrammable places so you can do Paris in 3-4 days.
Overall thoughts? I went to Paris in November so it was a little chilly, I would want to go back an experience it again in the summer but it was absolutely gorgeous and breathtaking to see some of these iconic spots like the different arcs, Eiffel Tower, Louvre etc. in-person. I spent a couple weeks there since my boyfriend works in Paris and it’s definitely more than enough time to explore, but if you’re going for a quick trip, here’s where you have to go sightseeing and my favorite restaurants.
Where to Go:
Champ de Empars: The best Eiffel Tower view in my opinion, it’s perfect for having picnics, photoshoots, or just walking around and experiencing the Eiffel Tower without all the tourists crowding. And the best part? It’s free! Once you’re done taking photos, walk across the bridge to get to Trocadéro for more views! The photos never stop.
Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Elysées: Carve out a full day for shopping at some of the best luxury stores, boutiques, restaurants, cafês, and more at the Champs-Elyseés. The lines are usually pretty long so map out which stores you need to go to and prepare for a full day of spending money and exploring. Along the boulevard, you’ll also see a famous attraction – the Arc de Triomphe. We just walked by it but it’s an arc made to celebrate war victories and a homage to those who died during the French Revolution and Napleonic Wars, it’s gorgeous.
Eiffel Tower: OKAY, not gonna lie, the Eiffel Tower is pretty overrated but my boyfriend planned the cutest date day here where we did a champagne tasting near the Eiffel Tower then visited the top and got to explore and take photos. We only stayed a couple hours but it was worth the one-time trip. I still prefer the Champ de Empars area for photos! Make sure you check out the Eiffel Tower during the day and night – it starts lighting up at 6 pm and then every hour on the dot for five minutes.
Louvre: Fallin’ in Louvre with you! I love just walking near the Louvre and exploring, I highly recommend checking it out during the day and night so you can experience both vibes. I never actually went into the museum because I just didn’t have the time/energy to absorb myself historically but loved all my photos and just how gorgeous it was.
Seine River Cruise: Highly recommend booking the city nights tour on the Seine River so you can cruise through the gorgeous city at night time and look at all the lights and historic landmarks. You’ll pass through the latin quarter, so many gorgeous arcs, see the Eiffel Tower light up and much more. So relaxing and romantic – they also have dinner and lunch cruises available.
Montmarte: One of my favorite things we did this entire trip was spending a day in Montmarte doing a food tour, one of Paris’s most charming neighborhoods (and home of the Moulin Rouge). I booked this Food Tour through Viator which took us through the small town with 7 stops for cheese, sweets, breads, wine, and more. Definitely go empty stomach because were so full (and a little drunk) after the incredible tour.
Versailles: My one regret of the trip was not visiting the Palace of Versailles, I would go back and spend a full day traveling to and from here to explore it, so add it to your list if you are planning.
Where to Eat:
L’As Du Falafel: Best. Falafel. Ever. A must-go for vegetarians. The line is always SO long so make sure you get there around 11:30am to skip it.
Pink Mama Restaurant: Our favorite dinner spot of the entire trip, we didn’t get reservations because they were completely booked out but if you get there 30 minutes early (6:30ish), you can get on the waiting list. We were #3 on the waiting list and got seated. Incredible pasta, bread, and pizza!
Girafe: A cute little brunch spot right in front of the Eiffel Tower, there wasn’t a lot of options for vegetarians but I did like the vibes and some of the best wine I’ve ever had.
Laudrée: Iconic macaroons spot.
La ‘Avenue: MUST GO for lunch – located near Champs-Elysées, it’s the perfect place to start off your shopping day. Highly recommend the spicy rigatoni.
Carette: TikTok famous spot with croissants and whipped hot chocolate, didn’t get to go here this time but if you get a chance, check it out.
Holy Belly: Iconic brunch spot with a two hour wait, loved the food here.
Boca Mexa: My favorite Mexican restaurant in the area, Chipotle style but better!
Chez Marianne: Another falafel spot, not as good as L’As Du Falafel but it’s right next door if the line is too long.
Du Pain Et Des Idees: Infamous bakery with the pistachio croissants – mouth watering.
Bollynan: For your Indian food cravings, check out this place!
Monthai Street Food: Incredible Thai food for a quick and easy street food-like dinner.
Buddha Bar: Up-scale Asian-Fusion dinner, they just opened up one in New York but this was the original one!
Things to Do:
Jangal Night Club: One of the hottest Parisian nightclubs, highly recommend getting bottles here but loved the music and vibes – definitely a lot smaller than I thought but such a fun Saturday night.
Pigalle District: Didn’t get to explore here much but it’s the place for cheap drinks, dance floors, basement clubs, and rooftop terraces. You’ll find a young crowd here partying usually.
Mandarin Oriental Paris: Iconic spa in Paris with massages, treatment rooms, pool, private baths, and more.
I’m sure my list for Paris will grow as I continue to visit there with my SO, but for now, this’ll do. You can find more details on my Instagram (@nehaltenany) under the ‘Paris’ highlight.
