Paris Travel Guide

Sep 12

Paris will always hold a special place in my heart. Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamed of living here, and every time I return, I fall even more in love with the city. From its grand architecture to its irresistible food and beautiful language, Paris has a way of captivating me completely.

I’ve been lucky enough to visit three times so far, and I know I’ll never get tired of coming back. I’m even learning French with the hope of calling this city home one day. Until then, here are my favorite recommendations on where to stay, what to do, where to eat in Paris, and more.

✨ What's Inside This Guide

🏨 Where to Stay

🍽️ Where to Eat

☕ Cafés & Bakeries

🗺️ Must-See Sights

⭐ Favorite Experiences

🏘️ Neighborhoods to Explore

🚆 Easy Day Trips

🧘 Move Your Body

💛 My Best Paris Tips

Where to Stay

Hotel de Londres Eiffel ★★★★

If you're looking for a charming boutique hotel in Paris, Hôtel de Londres Eiffel is a wonderful option. The hotel has a cozy, quintessentially Parisian feel, with warm décor and personalized service that makes it feel more like a guesthouse than a traditional hotel. While it isn't luxurious, its charm and unbeatable location make it a memorable stay in Paris.

Pros:
The location is the biggest selling point. The Eiffel Tower is just a few blocks away, making it easy to admire it at different times of day (or even take an evening stroll to watch it sparkle). The surrounding neighborhood is nice as well, with charming cafés, bakeries, restaurants, and local shops all within walking distance. There's even a cozy wine bar right below the hotel, making it easy to end the day with a glass of wine before heading upstairs.

Cons:
The rooms are very small—even by Paris standards. During my first stay, my mom and I shared one room, and there was barely enough space to walk around the bed or open our suitcases. We ended up booking a second room so we could have more space. If you're traveling as a couple or don't mind cozy accommodations, it may not be an issue. But if you're sharing a room with a friend or family member, I'd recommend booking separate rooms if your budget allows.

Would I stay here again?
Maybe. The location, neighborhood, and boutique atmosphere do outweigh the small room size for me, especially since I don't spend much time in my hotel room. That said, Paris has so many wonderful hotels that I'd probably try somewhere new before booking a repeat stay.

Hotel Avalon ★★★

During my third trip to Paris, I stayed at Hotel Avalon, located just steps from Gare du Nord. Since I was getting my own room this time, I had a tighter hotel budget than on previous trips. After comparing dozens of options, Hotel Avalon offered one of the best values I could find for a private room in a central location. While it wasn't my favorite hotel I've stayed at in Paris, it served its purpose and made it easy to explore the city.

Pros:
The biggest advantages are the price and location. Being next to Gare du Nord made it incredibly convenient for arriving from the airport and taking day trips or the Eurostar. It was also easy to reach neighborhoods like Montmartre, Le Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, the Latin Quarter, and the Louvre area by Metro or within a reasonable walk. The room was clean and, by Paris standards, surprisingly spacious. I also appreciated having a private bathroom that was comfortable for one person, although room layouts seemed to vary quite a bit as my mom's room had a much smaller bathroom despite paying a similar rate.

Cons:
As with many budget hotels, there are a few trade-offs. The hotel sits on Boulevard de Magenta, which is a busy street, so rooms facing the front can experience noticeable traffic noise. The walls are also fairly thin, so you may hear neighboring guests. While the hotel itself felt safe and staff were friendly, the immediate area around Gare du Nord can feel busy and a bit rough around the edges, particularly late at night.

I found that walking south and west toward neighborhoods like Canal Saint-Martin or the city center felt much more comfortable than heading farther north or east. If you're a first-time visitor to Paris or plan to spend a lot of time walking around your hotel at night, I'd probably recommend choosing a different neighborhood if your budget allows.

Would I stay here again?
Probably not, but that's more a reflection of my travel style than the hotel itself. For travelers looking for an affordable, centrally located base with easy transportation access, I think Hotel Avalon is a reasonable choice.

If your budget has a little more flexibility, however, I would personally recommend spending a bit extra for a hotel in a neighborhood with more charm and a quieter atmosphere.

Where to Eat

Over three trips to Paris, I've had my fair share of meals, from okay to absolutely unforgettable. The restaurants below are the ones I'd confidently recommend and would happily return to on my next visit.

Girafe: When I first came across Girafe on Instagram, I wondered if it could really live up to the hype. Thankfully, it exceeded every expectation. With its stunning terrace overlooking the Eiffel Tower, it's easily one of the most beautiful dining experiences in Paris. The seafood was excellent, and while it ended up being the most expensive meal of our trip, it was absolutely worth the splurge.
- Tip: Make a reservation once bookings open (about 14 days in advance) and plan to arrive about 15 minutes early. Guests begin lining up before their reservation times, and seating is typically based on when you arrive.
Vins de Pyrénées: We stopped by this French wine bar and restaurant in Le Marais during our food tour (see more below). They have an extensive wine list and the best croque-monsieur I have had in Paris.

Racines: This is a lovely Italian bistro tucked inside the Passage des Panoramas. It’s known for its seasonal menu and exceptional handmade pasta. We ordered the tagliatelle and ravioli and both were delish! Make a res in advance.
Big Mamma Restaurant Group: Well-known restaurant chain that has a collection of delicious restaurants across Europe, bringing authentic Italian flavors to cities from Paris to London to Madrid and beyond. They have several restaurants in Paris that are worth a try.
- Pink Mamma: This is the group’s most iconic location in Paris. It is very lively and great place to go for homemade pasta and wood-fired pizza. They also make a delicious (and large) Aperol Spritz.
For casual meals:
- La Foccaceria: If you're looking for a quick lunch in Le Marais, La Focacceria is an excellent choice. They serve freshly made focaccia sandwiches filled with fresh, high-quality ingredients that are both simple yet flavorful. It's also just a short walk from the Seine, making it the perfect place to grab lunch to go and enjoy a picnic along the river.
- L’As du Fallafel: A famous spot in Le Marais, known for its falafel sandwiches. The line can be long but it moves quickly and is well worth the wait.

Cafés & Bakeries

Noir Coffee Shop: If you need a great cup of coffee, Noir offers some of the best in Paris. They have several locations throughout the city, making it easy to stop in while sightseeing. Whether you're looking for a morning latte or an afternoon pick-me-up, Noir consistently serves excellent coffee in a welcoming atmosphere.
Leonie: Leonie quickly became one of my favorite breakfast spots in Paris. Their pastries and breakfast dishes are beautifully prepared, and everything feels fresh and thoughtfully made. It's the kind of café where you'll want to slow down, enjoy your meal, and savor a leisurely Parisian morning.
Mamiche: Mamiche is one of those bakeries that's worth going out of your way for. From buttery croissants to flaky pain au chocolat and seasonal pastries, everything is made with exceptional quality and attention to detail. If you're planning a picnic or simply want to experience one of Paris's standout bakeries, Mamiche should be on your list. There will likely be a line, but it is worth the wait.
Angelina Paris: For some delicious French pastries, tea, and coffee, I recommend Angelina Paris. It is a popular tourist spot, and there is a line to get in, but it is worth it for the experience to do at least once.

Must-See Sights

Sights I've Personally Visited…

These are the places I've visited over my three trips to Paris and would recommend.

Arc de Triomphe - Famous monument at the end of the Champs-Élysées that honors those who fought for France during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. For €16-22, you can climb to the top for amazing views of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower.

📸 Photo Tip: Skip the side of the Arc de Triomphe closest to the Champs-Élysées, where most visitors gather. Instead, walk to the opposite side of the monument for a much quieter area and some of my favorite photo angles—with far fewer people in the background.

Canal St. Martin - One of my favorite neighborhoods in Paris. The canal is lined with cafés, wine bars, boutiques, and restaurants, making it a wonderful place to wander or enjoy a picnic along the water

Cathedral Notre Dame - One of the most recognizable examples of French Gothic architecture. Even if you don't go inside, it's worth admiring the details from the outside and walking along the Seine nearby.

Champs-Élysées - Paris' famous avenue lined with shops, cafés, and theaters that stretches from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. It's a convenient stop after visiting the Arc and worth strolling at least once. That said, it's one of the busiest and most touristy areas in the city. If shopping is your goal, I personally prefer exploring the boutiques in Le Marais, which has a much more local and unique feel.

View of Eiffel Tower from Jardin du Trocadero

Eiffel Tower - Paris' most iconic landmark and one of the city's must-see attractions. Be sure to see it during the day and at night when it sparkles at the top of each hour. See below for tips on going to the top.

Jardin des Tuileries - A beautiful French garden perfect for relaxing in one of the iconic green chairs while people-watching. It's located just outside the Louvre, making it an easy stop after your museum visit.

Jardin du Palais Royal - Historic and beautiful garden in the center of Paris. Perfect place to sit on a bench and enjoy the scenery.

Louvre Museum - The world’s largest museum, and where you can see the Mona Lisa. Even the glass pyramid outside the entrance is worth seeing. See below for my tips on visiting.

Palais Garnier – One of the most breathtaking buildings in Paris and easily one of my favorite places I've visited. Self-guided tickets are approximately €25 for non-EEA visitors (prices vary based on residency and discounts), and I think it's absolutely worth it. The Grand Foyer alone is worth the visit. I could have stood there for hours admiring the ornate ceilings and incredible architecture. I waited until my third trip to tour the inside, and I only wish I had done it sooner.

Palace of Versailles – Located just outside of Paris, the Palace of Versailles is one of France's most magnificent landmarks and an easy day trip from the city. I waited until my third visit to finally go, and I only wish I had visited sooner. The palace is stunning, but the beautifully landscaped gardens were just as memorable—you could easily spend hours wandering the grounds.

Sacré-Cœur – Sitting atop the highest hill in Paris, Sacré-Cœur is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Even if you don't go inside, the sweeping views from the front of the basilica are worth the climb.

📍 Still on My Paris Bucket List

Jardin du Luxembourg – A favorite park for both locals and tourists, especially in spring and summer.

Musée d’Orsay - One of Paris' most beloved museums, housed inside a beautifully restored Beaux-Arts train station. It's famous for its Impressionist and Post-Impressionist masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir, Degas, and Cézanne.

Panthéon – Historic resting place of many French luminaries.

Paris Catacombs - An underground ossuary that holds the remains of more than six million people. Created in the late 18th century to address overcrowded cemeteries, it's now one of Paris' most unique (and slightly eerie) historical attractions.

Père Lachaise Cemetery – Paris' most famous cemetery and the final resting place of Jim Morrison, Oscar Wilde, Édith Piaf, Frédéric Chopin, and many other notable artists, writers, and historical figures. It's often described as one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world.

Sainte-Chapelle – A breathtaking Gothic chapel best known for its towering stained-glass windows, which depict over 1,000 biblical scenes. I've heard visiting on a sunny day is especially magical when the sunlight illuminates the colorful glass.

Favorite Experiences

See the Eiffel Tower (from multiple viewing points)

One of the things I love to do is find as many viewing points to see and take pics of the Eiffel Tower. Here are some of my favorites:

Jardin du Trocadero: This is my favorite viewing point. It gives you an elevated view from across the water and of the Trocadero fountain.
Rue de l’Université: For a close-up and amazing side view, head to the Rue de l’Université street (the cross street is Avenue de la Bourdonnais).
Jardin de la Tour Eiffel: For a close-up front view or a spot to picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower, head to Jardin de la Tour Eiffel.
Pont d'Iéna bridge: If you’re coming from the other side of the Seine, you can walk across this bridge to get your first view (not pictured).
Pont de l’Alma: A bit further away from the other photo opps but can still get a beautiful view of the Eiffel tower from here.

Visiting the Louvre

For someone who's not the biggest museum person, the Louvre never fails to amaze me. I've now visited three times, and each visit I've discovered something new. The museum itself is breathtaking, and its sheer size is hard to comprehend.

There's a popular saying about the Louvre that goes something like this: "It would take around 100 days to see everything in the Louvre if you spent just 30 seconds looking at each of its 35,000 works of art—and that's without taking any breaks!" Don't let that intimidate you, though. My advice is to pick a few collections or famous works that interest you most and enjoy them at your own pace.

The Louvre is, of course, home to the Mona Lisa, but be prepared for the crowds. The room is almost always packed, making it difficult to get a clear view from the front. It's definitely worth seeing once, but I wouldn't make it the highlight of your visit.

One of my favorite discoveries was the Napoleon III Apartments. The ornate chandeliers, gilded ceilings, and lavish décor were absolutely stunning and became one of the most memorable parts of the museum for me.

My Tip: Book one of the first entry times of the morning. The museum gets crowded quickly, and arriving early makes for a much more enjoyable experience. Afterward, take a stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries, which is located just outside the museum.

Check out Emily in Paris Filming Locations

If you’re a fan of the Emily in Paris show like I am, then you might find extra joy in visiting some of the filming locations. Here’s a list of some of the main spots:

Savoir Office at Place de Valois
Emily’s Apartment
Gabriel’s Restaurant
Jardin du Palais Royal - Where Emily meets Minday.
Some of the other landmarks are listed above already, including Sacre Coeur, Pere Lachaise Cemetery, Canal St. Martin, and Jardin du Luxemborg just to name a few.

Go shopping

If you’ve read some of my other blog posts, then you know that the only time I love to go shopping is when I travel. I love finding unique stores and purchasing items that will hold a special meaning for me. There are so many opportunities for shopping in Paris, see below:

My preferred place to shop:

Le Marais – A trendy neighborhood filled with boutiques, concept stores, and vintage shops (aka my favorite place to shop).
Les Halles (Westfield Forum des Halles) – More of a modern shopping center to check out and get your Parisian shopping fix.
Canal Saint-Martin – More bohemian and artsy, with unique local designers and concept shops.

Worth seeing once but are extremely crowded to actually shop in:

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann – Technically a department store, but not your average one by any means. It’s more of an experience with its breathtaking glass dome and rooftop views. It has everything from designer fashion to gourmet foods.
Printemps Haussmann – Another legendary department store, known for its upscale fashion, beauty, and even rooftop terrace views.
Champs-Élysées – Has a mixture of flagship stores, luxury boutiques, and international brands.

On my list to check out during my next visit:

Avenue Montaigne & Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré – Home to high-fashion stores such as Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Elegant streets filled with art galleries, bookstores, home décor shops, and stylish boutiques.
Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen – The famous flea market just outside Paris, great for antiques, and vintage finds.

Easy Day Trips

Versaille

It took me until my third trip to Paris to visit the Palace of Versailles, and I only wish I had gone sooner. The palace is absolutely breathtaking. Most admission tickets include access to the Hall of Mirrors, the State Apartments, and the other interior rooms. I highly recommend upgrading your ticket to include the expansive garden, as they're just as impressive as the palace itself.

You could easily spend hours wandering the beautifully landscaped grounds. If you'd rather cover more of the estate, you can also rent a golf cart. We didn't do this ourselves, but after seeing how massive the grounds are, I think it's well worth considering (especially if it’s hot out).

Versailles is about a 30–45 minute train ride from central Paris, making it an easy day trip. We chose to book this Viator tour instead, which included round-trip transportation by air-conditioned coach. Since we were also visiting Giverny the same day (more on that below), it was nice not having to worry about navigating between the two sites. If you book a tour, be sure to leave plenty of time to reach the departure point. We underestimated Paris traffic and almost missed our bus.

Tip: Pack a lunch or a few snacks for your visit. There is a restaurant on-site, but we found it to be fairly upscale and expensive. There is also a café, but the menu was limited to items like croque-monsieur, baguette sandwiches, and pastries.

Giverny

Giverny is a charming village about 1.5 hours from Paris and is best known as the home of Claude Monet and his iconic gardens. I added this stop to our Viator tour after visiting the Palace of Versailles, and it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the day.

Monet's Garden is absolutely beautiful and well worth the visit. Your ticket includes access to the gardens, Monet's home, and the gift shop. Beyond the estate, Giverny is a quaint village with a single main street lined with a handful of cafés, restaurants, and small shops.

That said, I wouldn't recommend combining Versailles and Giverny into one day tour, like we did. The tour allowed a little too much time at Versailles and only about two hours in Giverny, which wasn't enough time to fully explore Monet's home and gardens while also enjoying a leisurely meal in town. If I were to do it again, I would visit Versailles and Giverny on separate days so I could fully experience each destination.

I also like ending with the recommendation because it's genuinely helpful advice for readers planning their itinerary.

Neighborhoods to Explore

Montmartre

Montmartre quickly became my favorite neighborhood in Paris. Perched on a hill, it offers some of the city's most beautiful views. While the area around Sacré-Cœur can get quite crowded with tourists, there are plenty of quieter streets where you can enjoy a meal or simply wander. During my visit, I took a yoga class, had a delicious brunch, and spent the morning strolling through the charming streets. I can't wait to come back.

Le Marais

Le Marais is one of the liveliest neighborhoods in Paris and has something for everyone. It's the perfect place for shopping, cafés, restaurants, bars, and nightlife. I spent the day here on a food tour before browsing the many boutiques. Although it can get quite busy, the vibrant atmosphere makes it well worth a visit.

Canal St. Martin

This is one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore! Even if you arrive without a plan, you’ll quickly stumble upon charming cafés, restaurants, and unique boutique shops tucked along its streets. It’s the perfect area to linger—grabbing a seat at an outdoor café, people-watching, and soaking in the Parisian atmosphere. Part of the neighborhood borders the Seine, giving you the chance to enjoy scenic riverside walks. You can easily grab a bottle of wine and some takeaway bites and sit along the water when the weather permits.

Where to Move Your Body

Baba Yoga Social Club:‍ ‍This wellness space offers yoga classes, massages, and an on-site coffee shop, making it the perfect place to slow down during your time in Paris. I took a morning power vinyasa class here, and it was so good. It struck the perfect balance of being challenging while featuring thoughtful sequencing and a strong emphasis on the breath. I would absolutely come back the next time I'm in Paris.

My Best Paris Tips

One of my biggest tips for visiting Paris is to find the balance between planning ahead and leaving room for spontaneity. Book popular attractions like the Louvre and Versailles in advance since tickets often sell out, but avoid scheduling every hour of your trip. Leave at least a half day, or even a full day, without plans. Some of my favorite memories in Paris came from wandering into a neighborhood café, lingering over coffee, discovering a restaurant we hadn't researched, browsing local bookstores, or simply sitting along the Seine and watching the city go by.

I also encourage you to experience Paris beyond the major tourist attractions. Ask locals for their favorite restaurants and hidden gems, and don't be afraid to try something new. One of my favorite ways to connect with a city is by taking a yoga class, which has introduced me to neighborhoods and people I might not have otherwise met. Whether it's trying a local activity, sampling traditional French dishes, or wandering through a market, those slower, more authentic moments are often the ones you'll remember long after your trip is over.

stephanie mendez