France
paris
THINGS TO DO
Arc de Triomphe: One of the most famous monuments in Paris. Be cautious in this busy intersection.
Atelier des Lumières: Treat yourself to an immersive art experience!
Eiffel Tower: Of course. Go up to the top of it, hang out in the park below it, and catch it at night to see it sparkle.
Galeries Lafayette Rooftop: This high end French department store is filled with clothes you can only dream of wearing! After passing through all seven floors you will find yourself on a gorgeous rooftop with exquisite views of Paris.
Jardin des Plantes: The gorgeous garden filled with many different species of flowers in addition to a few museums.
Jardin Du Luxembourg: Home to the Luxembourg palace as well as gorgeous gardens as far as the eye can see!
Jewish Quarter: The old Jewish Quarter in Paris is full of historic buildings, museums, cafes, restaurants. See for yourself some of the pain and damage still left from the Holocaust.
La Villette: The third largest park is Paris always has something going on! From shows, to art exhibits, and outdoor activities you are sure to find something for everyone.
Lauderee: No stop in Paris is complete without a stop at this French luxury bakery. Grab some sweets and a macaroon.
Louvre: Former royal palace located on the Seine in Paris. Houses some of the world most famous pieces of artwork.
L’Orangerie: Monet’s water lilies!
Marche des Enfants Rouges: This market is not only filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheese, but it is also home to delicious food stalls!
Moulin Rouge: Why not experience the cabaret house where it all started? Tickets/Reservations are necessary.
Montmarte: Reaching the top of requires a bit of a climb, but the view is worth it.
Musee Carnavalet: Less famous, but still amazing museum of art that depicts the history of Paris. Located very close to the Jewish Quarter.
Musee D’Orsay: Located in an old railway station, it has stunning impressionist pieces and great views of Paris from the top floor.
Notre Dame: Medieval Catholic cathedral, it is considered to be one of the best examples of French Gothic architecture. One of the city’s most famous landmarks.
Places des Vosges: The oldest square in Paris filled with restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The square surrounds a gorgeous park.
Rue Cremieux: The most colorful street in Paris. The colorful houses on this street are very Instagram worthy.
Sacre Coeur: Great hang out spot.
Saint Germaine: Superb shopping! Check out Secrets de Filles and A La Recherche de Jane — both have beautiful jewelry.
Sainte Chapelle: Kind of overshadowed by other greats, but this church is made of stained glass where every panel tells a story.
Shakespeare and Company: A bookstore in the Latin Quarter where Hemingway, Fitzgerald and other famous writers used to hang out. Vast selection of first editions that are crazy expensive, but also sell some older books for around 20 euros.
Wall of Love Montmarte: A huge wall filled with “I love you” in 250 languages.
PLACES TO EAT
Angelina’s: What’s a trip to Paris without a hot chocolate at Angelina’s? Lunch is great there too!
Benedict: The perfect brunch spot! Eggs Benedict galore. The food, atmosphere, and staff are all wonderful.
Cafe Fou Fou: A small cafe in a cool area. You have to have their avocado toast!
Daroco: A go to dinner hot spot. Reservation recommended.
L’As du Fallafel: A world famous Fallafel spot.
Le Bastille: A go to spot on a very late night out when the party is over and you need some food!
Le Dome: A one star Michelin restaurant specializing in seafood.
Le Pavillion Des Canaux: If you have ever wanted to drink your coffee in the bathtub this is your place! If that is not for you, we’re am sure any of the other rooms of this house turned cafe will suit you just fine!
Le Refuge des Fondus: Cheese and meat fondue place in Montmarte. Also, they serves wine in baby bottles. It’s delicious and a must, but reservations are necessary.
Le Relais de l’Entrecote: Mouthwatering steak served in two rounds with fries and their secret sauce.
Maison Sauvage: Brunch goals! Everything here is equally delicious as it is beautiful!
Monsieur Bleu: Dine in style with a view of the Eiffel Tower. Come here to see and be seen.
Pink Mama or any of the Big Mamma restaurant group restaurants: All of the Big Mamma restaurants are a hit! Their truffle pizza is incredible. Go early because there is guaranteed to be a line out the door.
Radiodays: A tucked away cafe with delicious yogurt and granola bowls!
Umami Matcha Cafe: A delicious cafe with Matcha everything! They even have a Hello Kitty breakfast!
Wild and the Moon: The go to juice bar in Paris. Great for smoothies, juices, bowls, and vegan foods.
PLACES TO DRINK
Le Perchoir Marais: A trendy rooftop bar with views of the Eiffel Tower! This is a great place to catch the sunset. Be prepared to wait in line!
Rosa Bonheur Sur Seine: A groovy bar/club on the Seine river in the Invalides.
PLACES TO STAY
Hotel Citadine Les Halles: Extremely clean and friendly hotel that is right next to the metro Chatelet. They have free apples, hot chocolate, coffee, tea and WiFi. Very reasonably priced for groups.
Airbnb: Be wary of laws, worth checking before booking.
Hostels
Les Piaules, Yooma Urban Lodge, and St. Christopher’s Inn Gare du Nord are all fantastic options if you’re looking to go cheaper and meet fellow travelers. Each facility is well-kept, centrally located, and is bustling with backpackers looking to explore the city.
TRANSPORTATION
Charles de Gaulle and Orly Airports: Both are about thirty minutes away from the city.
Take the metro as much as you can because cabs can be expensive. A cab to Orly was about 30 euros in no traffic, which isn’t too bad if you can’t metro for some reason. If you go to any of the tourism offices, they will explain how to get into Paris city center by shuttle and metro — grab a metro map because you’ll use it.
