Paris is probably one of the most romantic & beautiful cities in the world. I for one fell in love with Paris the moment my feet touched the Parisian streets. This trip for me was not my first but it has been my absolute favorite. Reason being …. we committed to doing the non tourist version of Paris and spent our days with no agenda, wandering and enjoying the city. It is truly the best way to experience Paris.
That being said, there were a few things I just couldn’t help myself on, like going by the Pyramid of the Louvre and walking by the Eiffel Tower. I hope you enjoy my guide on my favorite things to see and do in Paris. Keep in mind, it’s more geared for a local experience vs. hitting all the tourist hot spots. If this is a first time trip for you I would recommend hitting your bucket list items , in combination with some of my recs. I’ll share some tips throughout my guide on the hot spots as well.
Stay
Brach Hotel
1-7 Rue Jean Richepin, 75016 Paris, France
5 Star – Opened in October of 2018
The Brach hotel is located in the 16th Arrondissement of Paris. The area is mostly residential and one of the most expensive parts of Paris to live in. It is not in the center of Paris so you will have to travel a bit to get to city center however, it is super close to the Eiffel Tower. What’s great about this part of Paris is, it’s not touristy and an all around beautiful neighborhood.
If you can splurge on your hotel stay while visiting Paris, this is one the best hotels in Paris. It has an unbelievable garden on the rooftop with one of the best views of the city and the Eiffel tower. The hotel grants you access to the rooftop with a code if you are staying in one of their suites, (or if you’re really nice to the front desk team) otherwise you can schedule a night on the rooftop, picnic style, where you get a basket of food served with wine or champagne. They only do this during certain months of the year, but it’s a must do if you are here during a time they offer it. Their rooftop garden actually inspired us for our own urban oasis in NYC.
In addition to the rooftop garden, they also have an outdoor terrace space which is great for either lunch or late afternoon apéritifs. We had poke bowls there that were delicious. Their main restaurant on the first floor is lead by executive Chef Adam Bentalha and is Mediterranean inspired – also delicious.
My personal favorite is the pastries done by Yann Brys – world renowned Pastry chef. All the breads and pastries in the hotel are done by Yann Brys and are out of this world. Locals from the neighborhood pop in in the morning to grab their coffee and pastries from the pastry counter in the restaurant. If you’re having breakfast at the hotel, you must order the bread assortment. Carbs on Carbs but when in Paris right?
As far as the rooms go, if you can score a suite with an outdoor terrace … do it! We used our terrace everyday, something about being in Paris and being on a terrace, it makes you totally immersed in the Parisian culture. One of my favorite things was waking up in the morning sitting out on the terrace in my robe and watching the movement. We spent so much time just sitting outside having drinks and chilling out, we even ordered dinner up to our terrace one night. We were also able to see the Eiffel tower from our terrace, we did have to stand up on the couch to get a good view, but it was great for when we were too lazy to pop up to the roof garden.
Amenities include a super a chic gym, and I’m not talking your normal hotel gym with 2 machines but an actual Equinox style gym, pool and all. Locals can actually sign up for memberships, that’s how legit it is.
The Brach has been officially designated our go to hotel in Paris.
From Left to Right:
Garden Rooftop By Day
Cocktails at the Brach Restaurant – *Passion Fruit Martini is to die for
Garden Rooftop at Dusk
Spa Room in the Fitness Center
Garden Rooftop by Night
Eat
Pink Mamma
20bis Rue de Douai, 75009 Paris, France
Located in the 8th Arrdon. (Saint-Georges area). Pink Mamma is a Tuscan restaurant. You may ask me why go to an Italian restaurant in Paris? Again, I’m giving you the non-tourist version of Paris. For starters, the food is phenomenal and is an authentic experience. Literally every single person working here from the kitchen staff to the waiters are all Italian and speaking Italian, you can’t get more authentic than that.
You must order:
The Burrata
La fameuse pâte à la truffe (their famous truffle pasta) – you will die from how good it is.
*Tip: It is always packed so make a reservation ahead of time. I would try to make it over prior to your reservation to get a drink in No Entry a speakeasy style bar just underneath the restaurant. – more details on that in my drinks section.
Le Bar des Prés
Love this little spot. My recommendation would be to come here, sit at the bar and have cocktails and appetizers to start out your night as the plates are small. It’s such a cozy ambience and the drinks are phenomenal. This is a Cyril Lignac restaurant, and the food is rooted in French and Asian inspired. They serve small plates and sashimi, and everything is delicious.
Aux Prés
Another Cyril Lignac restaurant. Modernized approach to a French Bistro with a warm ambience. Make an RSVP in advance.
Girafe
This is a definite date night spot. Great spot to go for an anniversary or birthday dinner with your significant other. They have amazing views of the Eiffel Tower. Make an RSVP in advance.
Poilâne
Whatever you do, do not leave Paris without going to Poilane. It is an institution. They are most known for their breads, but make out of this world pastries as well. *Tip order the apple tart – I think we went 3 times while we were there because it’s that good. Another thing you can do is order a baguette, grab some cheese and wine and have a picnic near the Eiffel tower or in the Luxembourg or Tuileries Gardens. Just an FYI, don’t expect them to be warm and fuzzy – they aren’t the friendliest but quite honestly you don’t care when you taste the goods. If you make an effort to speak a little french it goes a long way!
Le Comptoir du Relais
For a more traditional French bistro style meal Le Comptoir is delicious. As the restaurant has started to catch on, it has attracted a number of tourists but this restaurant does not disappoint! This restaurant is always packed, so expect a wait or try to reserve ahead. Last time I went they did not accept reservations but perhaps you may get lucky. It’s worth a shot.
From Left to Right:
Poilâne Bakery Store Front – *There is more than 1 location
Le Bar de Prês – Yellow tail marinated with yuzu soy, jalapeno pepper
Le Bar de Prês – Cocktail
Drinks
Well let me start out by saying that you can get drinks pretty much anywhere in Paris and there is always a good reason to drink champagne. But here are some of my favorite places to get pompette (means tipsy in French) in Paris.
Hôtel Costes
This is the ultimate spot for drinks. It is sexy and lavish and a definite date night spot. Tip* One of my most favorite Spotify playlists comes from Hôtel Costes.
No Entry
Speakeasy style bar hidden inside Pink Mamma restaurant. It looks like your walking into a meat refrigerator when you walk in. I would pop in for a drink or two while waiting to be seated at Pink Mamma. Just make sure you have service … we sat down there drinking away and apparently the hostess had been trying to track us down.
Le Bar des Prés
As Mentioned Above in Eat Section.
Terrace of the Brach Hotel
Just confirm the Terrace is open if you are going in colder months of the year.
To do
The Crazy Horse Cabaret
Okay this is probably one of the top experiences I had in Paris. A lot of times people interested in going to a Cabaret will go to the well known Moulin Rouge but again – touristy. Not to say that Crazy Horse doesn’t attract tourists but wow this show is amazing. It is classy, artistic and sexy as hell. If nudity does not make you uncomfortable – grab some tickets (they must be booked ahead) and get ready for a mesmerizing experience. Your hotel concierge should be able to help book tickets for you.
The Chanel Flagship
Okay so maybe I have a slight obsession with Chanel but even if you don’t, you cannot help but be in awe of the Chanel flagship in Paris. It is breathtaking and quite the experience. For me it’s a must go, but if Chanel doesn’t speak to you, just skip it. Tip* If you are on the market for something designer, Chanel or otherwise, you get the taxes back at the airport so buying designer in Europe is always cheaper. The Tuileries Garden, Hotel Costes and Place Vendôme are all nearby so you can work it into other visits.
Eiffel Tower
So here’s my 2 cents about the Eiffel tower. I would avoid going up the Eiffel tower at all costs unless it’s an absolute bucket list item for you. They have recently increased security here and so just to get in the nearest vicinity you have to go through security, and there is always a line. Going up the Eiffel tower is not a fun experience, it’s packed with tourists and quite honestly overrated. As far as view points go, seeing Paris with the Eiffel tower in the background is much more beautiful, trust me. I mean what’s the purpose of a Paris view without the Eiffel tower in it! Here are some other options to see the Eiffel tower and views of Paris:
Your hotel rooftop (if you’re staying at a hotel that has one)
Trocadéro
Along the Seine River (which is near Trocadero). You can also do a Seine River Cruise at Night – this can be a bit touristy and pricey but it does offer great views at night.
Rue De L’ Universite – Quaint dead end street where this street meets Avenue de la Bourdonnais. The Eiffel Tower is in clear sight and not very known.
Tour Montparnasse will offer you city views that include the Eiffel tower in it.
Department Store Printemps which is amazing by the way has a rooftop cafe that also has views of the Eiffel tower.
Tip* The Eiffel Tower will light up every hour until about 1am after the sun goes down. The light show lasts for about 5 minutes.
Wander Around Marais
Marais is a historical district but currently one of the trendiest parts of Paris. It sits across the 3rd and 4th Arrondissements. You’ll find really great boutiques and shops and really quaint areas to walk around. Some of the spots are:
Rue des Rosiers – this is a historic street and the heart of the Jewish quarter. You’ll find lots of shops, boutiques and restaurants. Haven’t tried personally but L’As du Fallafel on this street is supposed to be amazing if you like fallafel.
Rue des Barres – It is one of Paris’ prettiest streets in all its cobblestone glory. Perfect spot to sit outside and grab an espresso. It’s one of the oldest streets in the medieval quarter dating back to 1240.
Place des Vosges – Oldest planned square in Paris. Also in this area you’ll find Maison de Victor Hugo where the author lived and wrong for many years.
Musée Picasso – Museum that features approximately 5,000 works by the legend himself.
A Word on the Tourist Hot Spots
Notre Dame – This is a must especially for first timers in Paris. Unfortunately due to the tragic fires I don’t believe visitors are allowed at this time. You can pass by the vicinity and get a glimpse but it is a sad sight to see.
Tuileries Gardens – Must see
Luxembourg Gardens – Must see
Champs-Élysées – I would steer clear. Once upon a time it was one of the most beautiful streets in the world. Unfortunately is has become extremely commercial and lost all of it’s charm and glamour of a previous time period. If you have not been to Paris you should, of course go see the Arc de Triomphe but I would avoid Champs-Élysées.
Montmartre – If it’s your first time in Paris I would go. It is a bit touristy but it’s still something to see and you have some great views of Paris by the Sacre-Coeur.
The Louvre – must see to get a glimpse of the Pyramid. Unless you really like art and museums probably not necessary for you to go inside. If you do, my recommendation is to do a bit of research before going to determine what exactly you want to see. The Louvre is massive and will be impossible for you to tackle it all in a day. Focus on what you want to see so you’re not overwhelmed. For the Mona Lisa, there will be huge amounts of tourists and you don’t really get to enjoy and take it all in unfortunately. Again if you’re not passionate about it – I would skip it. Musée Rodin is another option as far as museums go in Paris and is beautiful.
From Left to Right:
Flower Shop on the Walk to Marais
Streets of Marais with my Husband
Streets of Marais
Crazy Horse – waiting for the show to start. They don’t allow photography during the show
The Louvre
Vanilla Grey 