As the wise saying goes…Paris is always a good idea. I quickly fell in love with this city which has led me to revisit, something I know I will continue to do for years to come. Upon arrival of our first visit, we asked a local how we should spend our four days in the city and she provided us with the best advice: “explore aimlessly, do not make a plan, but instead just take everything in as it comes.” So, we did just that and fell in love with every bit of our unplanned experience. Casual strolls with no destination in mind led us to parts of the city we may not have seen had we been following a strict itinerary- we ate, drank, and shopped our way through the city and it was truly wonderful. Paris without a plan gave us the opportunity to be present and fully take in all of our surroundings. I would offer the same advice to anyone planning to visit Paris for the first time!

WHERE TO STAY: 

In my opinion, the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris are Le Marais and Saint Germain – although, the Latin Quarter is also a great option. While there were many hotels to choose from, I would recommend staying in an Airbnb for the best experience!

WHAT TO SEE AND DO:

1. Visit the Eiffel Tower- an obvious must do! (I was much more impressed with the Eiffel Tower than I thought I would be. If you have the time, I would try and see it both at day and at night. Pack a picnic and bring a bottle of wine! Every hour, on the hour at night, the tower lights up and sparkles for five whole minutes. If you have to choose between visiting at day or night, I would choose to visit at night).

2. Tour Notre Dame

3. Visit Le Jardin Les Tuileries and have a drink at the cafe in the park.

4. Explore the Louvre

5. Go shopping/stroll the streets of Champes Elysees

6. Dine on one of the many terraces overlooking the Eiffel Tower (Girafe being one of the most well known spots for its views)

WHERE TO EAT: 

1.  Hotel Costes (book a reservation in advance!)

2. L’Ami Jean 

3. Hugo & Co

4. Breiz Cafe

5. Kitchen Terre

6. Ellsworth

7. Sellae

8. Le Rigmarole

9. Mokonuts 

10. Vivant 2

11. Shabour

12. Early June 

WHERE TO DRINK:

1. Little Red Door 

2. Cooper Bay 

3. Le Botanist – cocktails with an amazing view

4. Danico – highly rated, swanky

5. Cooper Bay – vibrant, well known

6. Fréquence – cocktails, vinyl, vibe

7. Lulu White Drinking Club- Nola styled speakeasy

8. Mabel – relaxed speakeasy

9. Le Syndicate

10. Sister Midnight- funky, drag, burlesque, cabaret