The perfect Parisian Stay

Paris, ah Paris. It has got to be one of my absolute favorite places in the world. Many snub it as a stuck-up city that lacks a lot of the luster in real life that is portrayed in the movies. But I absolutely could not disagree more. Throughout my visits, I've compiled a list of activities to do and places to see, drink, dance, and eat that have helped constitute the perfect stay.

Ok, so the number one obvious mention is the Eiffel Tower. So I will admit it's kinda a pain in the ass the whole experience, but with that said, I do think it is necessary and quite special. Here you will be able to see an amazing bird eye view of the city with breathtaking views. You will have to wait in line in a storm of tourists. And trust me, in those moments leading up, you will hate me for recommending this endeavor. But I promise if you make it past the annoyance, it is so beyond worth it. Doing this on one of the first days will give you a perspective of the whole city and help you orient yourself. It’s really easy to get stuck in one neighborhood in Paris. You don't realize the gravity of how large the city is, and this experience helps you to understand how much there really is to see. Plus, the view is completely magical and will kickstart an enchanting start to the trip. To make the lead-up a bit less painful, I cannot stress enough the importance of buying tickets online, which reduces your wait time down by about half. 

Ok, so once you have that down... The next obvious: The Louvre. Again, buy tickets online to minimize wait times. It may seem as though I'm simply mentioning the arbitrary, glaringly apparent Paris recommendations. However, they are at the top of the list because they are something you really do have to do and encapsulate so much of the splendor of the city. Seize the morning adrenaline; go early as you will find it is much less crowded. Afterward, sit out at Cafe Marlay for lunch, which is connected to the structure. You will have amazing people watching, complimented by a beautiful view.

Here is a list of other museums that are great: 

Musée D’Orsay

Petit Palais

Musée Carnavalet

Musée l’orangerie

Musée Rodin

Musée marmottan Monet

Galerie Perrotin

Foundation Louis Vuitton

Atelier des Lumières 

Bourse de commerce

One other I will specifically spotlight is the Museum of Hair! When I was recommended this exhibition, I was confused and honestly kind of grossed out by the idea. But weirdly enough, it was one of my all-time favorite museum experiences that was so unique, creative, and unlike any I had experienced before. Access is free, and wait times are really low. It’s also right around the corner from the Louvre and really easy to sneak into a busy day. 

Shopping

Moving on… now as the capital of fashion, there is so much to be said about the shopping to be done. You can’t go wrong sticking around Palace Vendome and getting lost on the streets for hours, pulled in by each marvelous window. Although the large designer shops are fun.. something a bit more specific and special to Paris is the array of vintage shopping you will come across. Stick to this guide, and you can't go wrong. A store I find myself going back to over and over again is the Courrège flagship store. Its aesthetic layout makes for a mesmerizing interior, and there is a myriad of inspiring looks to choose from. As the birthplace of the iconic brand, it feel incredibly authentic compared to other locations. I like to joke that Courrège is my Parisian uniform as I feel like it balances the perfect line between modern and timeless. The designer's classics are not too loud, but they are bold. I feel as though the line truly captures the spirit of Parisian fashion. 

For something a little more special… Pop into Lorenz Baumer in Palace Vendome, located directly next door to the Ritz. His pieces are exquisite, and he will take you on a tour of his showroom featuring legendary designs ranging from jewelry collections, the royal tiara designed for Princess Charlotte, to his collaborations, including the NBA official decanter. 

Moving on to my favorite.. restaurants! I recommend calling and making these reservations at least two weeks before your trip so you don’t end up like me in the photo below, so frantically searching for a last-minute lunch spot, as the hotspots get booked up quickly.

Giraffe 

• Best view of the Eiffel tower 

• Ok food 

• Amazing cocktails 

  

Voltaire 

• Classic Parisian dining 

• Fancy and traditional 

• Recommended for a weekday 

• Best au poivre ever had 

Monsieur Bleu

• Fun weekend spot 

• great outdoor seating in summer 

• Sceney 

• Great food 

  

  

Closerie de Lila’s 

• Romantic 

• Beautiful courtyard 

• Great table-side creations 

  

Coco 

• Best for lunch 

• Get the churros! 

Coste 

• Sceney 

• Call and try to sit in the courtyard 

• Amazing food 

• Order quickly, slow service 

• Best french fries in Paris 

Maison Russe

• Beautiful architecture  

• Fancy 

• Indoor better than outdoor 

  

Le Chardenoux 

• Stunning interior 

• Great modern menu 

Loulous 

• Beautiful outdoor garden for lunch 

• Next to Louvre 

• Great Italian

  

   Cafe Marly  

  • Stunning view of Louvre 

  • Great people watching 

  • Recommended for lunch or pre dinner drinks 

Chez Julien

• Classic French brasserie 

• Great food 

Le Train Bleu

• Stunning interior 

• Perfect for a big occasion 

• Feels very grand 

Jules Verne 

• Restaurant in the Eiffel Tower 

• Ask for a window table 

• Michelin coursed menu 

Ferdi 

• Best burger 

• Extensive menu 

• Whats app for reservations, or arrive at 6pm on the dot and try to walk in 

  

Breziah cafe 

• Best crepes ever 

• Great sweet and savory 

• Good for lunch or afternoon pick me up

  

Next… Where to drink!

Bar Hemingway 

• Small historical cocktail bar inside of Ritz 

• Only 25 seats, very intimate 

• Go early to put your name on the waitlist

Le Syndicat (speakeasy) 

• Incredible cocktails 

• Hidden in a strip of many bars

Hotel Costes (bar) 

• Intimate 

• Great Parisian music

Bugsy’s

• casual pub

• great for watching a game

Le Carmen (bar/ club)

• cool architecture 

• Techno music 

Rasputin (club) 

• On the older side 

• Very $ 

Le Arc (club) 

• Only one with a cover fee 

• More American music 

• Under le arc 

• Questionable crowd on some nights but overall, fun to dance 

Silencio (club)

• Multiple levels

• Keep an eye out on their Instagram story for guest performers during your trip 

Other fun activities… 

Do a romantic sunset cruise along the Seine. You can either buy tickets for a cruise or, if it’s a more special occasion, get a private boat. This was an incredible experience, and it also gave a whole additional perspective of the city. 

If you're around in August I cannot stress enough how entertaining the Fair is. There is a certain nostalgia to walking around playing the games, winning prizes, going on rides, and enjoying the delicious sweet treats it has to offer.  

Outfit inspo:

Thanks for reading! I hope you have an amazing trip :)