Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Paris, France

 My first Paris trip was a success! Well besides the lost luggage, missing out on fashion shows and my dog being injured while I was out of the country, but we can get into all of that later. Today I wanted to share some of my favorite parts of my vacation as well as some tips for what to see and do while in the City of Lights.

Where to Stay in Paris:

We rented an Airbnb the first time around so I don’t have multiple hotel suggestions for you this time around but I will say, try staying in the 2nd Arr. if possible. Though I highly doubt there’s a “bad” part of Paris to stay in, our flat was conveniently accessible to almost everything. There were lots of restaurants and bars close by and we had boutiques just blocks away. Then, if where we were going was too far we had a metro entrance just across the street.

Hotel Basss

Great, lively area with all of the charm of Montmartre’s hilly streets and winding little roads. Walk to the Moulin Rouge cabaret & the Sacré-Cœur basilica in just minutes. Location was perfect! The room was quite small and the bathroom was microscopic but it got the job done. The staff was super helpful and they have a great rate for shuttles to the airport.

Tip:
-The 2nd arr. is located on the Right bank and for us this was ideal but look into what sites are most important for you and plan strategically. I’ve stayed on the right bank both times in Paris.

-Get a metro pass, it’s so convenient to use and will save you time and money. I’m from Austin, where public transportation is considered Uber’s and Lyfts so if I can figure the metro system out trust me when I say you can too! Plus sometimes if your Uber can’t find you and they call and you’re unable to understand each other your ride is canceled. Happened a few times to us. 

Where to Eat in Paris:

Now, Paris has no shortage of fine dining options but don’t let that overwhelm you, it can still be a very affordable vacation destination for foodies. To be honest I don’t think I had a bad meal the entire time I was there but below are my favorite places we snacked or dined.

• Poulette Restaurant– very charming and intimate restaurant with french food and a romantic vibe. We sat at the bar and the bartender was so friendly, it was a great first meal in Paris. Plus this restaurant had my favorite brand of Cider that I tried the entire trip, called Fils de Pomme, it was so light and delicious.
• Au Nom Du Pain- a two storied bakery just blocks from our flat; endless pastry and sandwich options as well as the best Café Creme.
• La Perla– we initially stopped into this little sidewalk cafe because it was located on the cutest little street, perfect for people watching but were soon impressed by so much more. The portions were large and delicious and the prices were low (see charcuterie below). Plus the waiter offered to take photos of the group and then proceeded to get angles girl, like he walked damn near across the street giving us different options, it was awesome!
• Genereaux Creperie– for an assortment of crepes on the go, this little creperie was perfect and located along a shopping street.
• Laduree– Did you even go to Paris if you don’t stop by this iconic spot?
• Le Plomb Du Cantal– one word, Aligot. Which is a dish comprised of mashed potatoes with melted soft cheese and garlic. Trust me on this. They also had a chocolate mousse that left a lasting impression and great service.
• IT Fresca– when you’re out shopping and site seeing you usually fall into a tourist trap of a restaurant and to be honest, I thought we were getting that here because of the beautiful decor that hooked us but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Great pizzas, perfect people watching and fast service (which is kind of unheard of in Paris)
• La Baguetterie– this hidden gem ended up being one of our favorite finds. Great ambience, we felt like true locals hanging out here. The place definitely has a hole in the wall vibe and it hosts live music downstairs but the charcuterie and cheese boards are unmatched you guys.
• Restaurant Le Train Bleu -our “last dinner together” we wanted something truly noteworthy and this place was it. The decor, the service, the wine, the food, the ambience-everything felt 5 star. You would never guess this old restaurant is located in a train station.
• L’Avenue– Stunning restaurant with a beautiful view of the Eiffel tower, go at night and sit outside to watch it light up while you dine. This restaurant is a bit pricey but worth every penny, dress up and dine like a star.

TIP:

-Unlike in the U.S. it’s not uncommon for homeless people to solicit you for money right at your sidewalk table as you eat. It will happen often, so don’t expect the waiter to come tell them anything, it’s on you. 

–Service in Paris is much slower, don’t expect your bill to come before you finish eating like in the states. Sometimes you’ll be sitting there without even a drink on your table and still nobody will think to close you out. Just make eye contact and boom, you’re good to go!

Where to Drink in Paris:

Get ready for wine and more wine while in Paris but don’t fret, you can still order your favorite drinks from home most places. For instance, I love a good cider and while they didn’t have my favorite type of Cider, Austin Eastciders, they did have at least one type for me to try at most bars. Having a bottle of wine with most meals will feel appropriate but I wanted to share where to go when no meal is needed-for the “all drinks please” nights or days.

• Experimental Cocktail Club– this place is tiny and dark and feels very “local” they had stiff cocktails and were playing French music (which isn’t always the case) we really enjoyed this spot and I think it’d be especially cool for couples to visit, as it has a more intimate feel.
• O’Sullivans– Now, if you’re looking for the complete opposite of the first place I mentioned than this is the spot for you. Think cover bands singing mostly American classic hits and lots of dancing in a real “bar” atmosphere. The dress can be casual and I’m pretty sure there was no line outside, though we did go on a Sunday night (a poppin Sunday if I say so myself)
• On the lawn of the Eiffel Tower– Yes, you can drink on the lawn & yes, you totally should plan to. Get there earlier than your reservation (more on that below) and pop open a bottle of champagne or a twist off wine bottle, something easy to open, then take it all in (the view that is) before you go up. Up at the top it’s going to be a lot more crowded, trust me. But do plan out enough time to do it beforehand because you can’t take any alcohol in to the Eiffel Tower with you.
• Silencio– expect to be asked if you’re on a list (even on a Tuesday) and then if you get in expect to be told “No photos” at this swanky club. Apparently this is where celebs hangout, though I didn’t see any the night I was there. I did however feel as if I were in a bee hive from the feel of the highly sectioned off club. Check out photos on my Instagram highlight for Paris, yeah that’s right-you can’t tell me what to do!
• Hobo Club– loved this club! The music was all American hip hop and the energy was insane even on a Wednesday night. We had a promoter reach out and put us on the list so though there was a long line outside we were able to walk right in and to a VIP bottle-service table. If you’re wearing a coat you have to check it, like its mandatory and that line is vicious just a heads up!
• La Baguetterie- I know, I know, this place is already mentioned in the where to eat section but it’s also a really cool bar that plays live music and has the raddest Bartender ever. I couldn’t locate a website but it’s in the Latin district.
• On the top of the Eiffel Tower– Yaaasss queen, go into that little shop and buy yourself a glass of champagne and cheers on all four sides to this beautiful city you’re getting to breathe in.

What to See in Paris:

Yes, I’m probably about to list cliche places that you “must see” but that’s because you truly have to experience these epic sites. One of my favorite things to do in Paris was to hop off at a random metro stop and just walk around. Getting lost is the best way to explore new areas of a city not quite included on your list in my opinion. That being said, it’s also very important to set an itinerary with the sites you do want to see, because this is a highly visited place wait times can be excessive so plan ahead or you could miss out. For instance, I didn’t make it to the Louvre, Palace of Versailles, Palais Royale or Musee de Picasso this trip which was really heartbreaking for me but also gives me cause to go back soon.

• The Eiffel Tower-this is a no brainer, you can’t go to Paris and not check out the Eiffel Tower but be sure to get all of the views. Spend the money and go to the top of the tower, or at least the first level. The second level was a little congested and didn’t end up being worth it for me personally. Definitely buy your ticket beforehand, our pre-sale line was easily a fourth of the size of the other line.
• Arc De Triomphe-beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Also located near tons of great shopping and Laduree.
• Le Marais– a historic district with lots of great shops, street art and historical buildings. We found the greatest little pieces of jewelry in this area.
• Pont Alexandre III– the most stunning, ornate bridge I’ve ever encountered and the perfect place to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle at sunset.
• Sacre-Coeur– steps, lots of steps, but so worth the climb. There are no photos allowed inside so I don’t have and pictures for you guys. But to be honest, not being able to take pictures really gave me a chance to be in the moment, to just stop to take it all in and it was a really emotional experience for me.
• Forum de Halles-such a dope shopping mall, I spent a little more time here than I had anticipated because of lost luggage (more on that later). It’s worth the trip, the mall itself is a site to be seen and is located near tons of great food and a few very beautiful churches.
• Fountaine Saint-Michel-we just don’t have stuff like this where I live! Call me basic but if there’s a fountain with some dope sculpture of a saint and some dragons…I’m going to probably want to see it. #sorrynotsorry

I’m sure I’ve left something out but these were the things that truly stood out on my first trip to Paris. Four days felt way too short, I’m already itching to go back. Who knows? Maybe I will go back soon.

Have you been to Paris? I’d love to hear some of your tips or favorite places in the comments below! Also, stay tuned because I’ll be sharing a recap video shortly and to be sure you don’t miss it you can always sign up for my newsletter where I share sales, more #BTS footage and bi-weekly recaps on food, fashion and fun!

Xx Sylvia