Ever since I went to Paris in 2017, I’ve been dreaming of gong back. I wasn’t so sure I’d love France but after a long weekend spent all around Paris and up North on the coast I was hooked. It’s a remarkably beautiful country and I hope to share some fun stories, tips & recommendations from my time there with you!

The Louvre: Famous for being home to many famous art pieces like the Mona Lisa, the Louvre is one of the most impressive art museums in all of Europe. I personally got through this museum quickly and did enjoy other art museums more, but do think it’s totally worth the visit if you’re in Paris!

The Eiffel Tower: Originally built for the 1889 World Fair, the tower still stands tall centuries later for tourists and locals alike to admire! While there is a cost to get to the very top to the viewing platform, viewing from the ground - many walks, parks nearby along with streets are free. Grab some bites on the go and have a picnic in the grassy areas nearby for the perfect Parisian experience!

Musee D’Orsay: Hands down my favorite museum in all of Paris, Musee D’Orsay has an incredible collection of art work, especially of impressionists (my favorites!) I spent HOURS in. Give your self time to explore the countless amazing pieces - including Monet and Van Gough - as well as time to snap pics with the huge glass clock, sculptures and other special exhibits. Tip: there are usually street musicians performing on the steps outside the museum. Snag lunch from a vendor and sit outside to enjoy a performance like a local!

Arc de Triomphe: At the center of multiple intersections, the Arc honors those who fought and died for France in the Revolution and Napoleonic Wars. Additionally, beneath the vault at the Arc, is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from the first World War. Whether you want to simply walk around and under it or see if from one of the many side streets, I highly recommend taking some time to visit!

Champs Elysees: This beautiful and busy street is lined with trees on both sides and is a stunning way to get up to the Arc de Triomphe! There is loads of shopping and dining here as well if you’re looking for that! If you happen to be in Paris during the annual Tour de France, you can see them during the race!

Jardin du Luxembourg: Also known as the Luxembourg Gardens, these beautiful grounds were created for a new residence created by Marie de’Medici. The grounds are seriously stunning and if you’ve got good weather, I highly recommend giving here a stop!

Notre Dame: Though for the time being you are not able to access the Cathedral as a tourist due to the 2019 fire, you can still see if from outside and on the walkways near it! It’s seriously so stunning however you get to view it and a place you HAVE to snap some photos!

Paris Catacombs: Once the stone mines for the city, these tunnels beneath much of Southern Paris now are home to the remains of over six million people. You can take guided tours or make your own way through the catacombs. I recommend giving yourself time for this as the line can be incredibly long due to the limitation how many people can be in at one time. If you want to up the spook of this experience, be sure to watch As Above, So Below before heading down. On a more serious note, don’t touch the bones. When I made my way through, there was a guy traveling solo who (very creepily) was touching all on them.

Shakespeare and Company Bookstore: Home to one of two locations, this English based bookstore has been open since 1922 and seriously captured my whole heart when I visited. Hands down one of, if not the best bookstore I’ve ever been to!

Caen/Normandy

During my time in Paris I knew I wanted to carve out time to head up North to Normandy. I’m not so secretly super into history - fun fact, I almost went to college to become a history teacher! Because of that and familial connections to the military I wanted to be sure to explore all that Normandy had to offer. If you have the opportunity to take a day trip from Paris, I do highly recommend checking it out! To this day it is one of the most moving and memorable travel experiences I’ve had!

Omaha Beach

American Cemetary

When I visited, I took the earliest morning train up from Paris to Caen and met my tour group at the Caen Memorial Museum. If you’re looking to take a guided tour, I couldn’t recommend this one more! You have a guided tour of the museum, lunch, and visit Point du Hoc, Omaha and Juno Beaches as well as the American Cemetery as well as included transportation between all the locations with incredible guides.

Though I don’t have any direct personal ties to the war in terms of those who didn’t return home, when visiting there is an incredibly strong sense of loss and sacrifice if you’re open to experiencing it. I’ve had multiple friends visit as well that have similar experiences that were very moving and if this sounds like something that interests you, book the experience and do it!

While I was in Paris I mostly stuck to cheaper street food options, or, meals were included in some of the tours I had purchased. That being said, there were a few restaurants I did go to I remember and recommend! For the most part, I’ll be sharing different foods you HAVE to sample when in Paris!

Indiana Cafe: After just walking around my way through Paris (and honestly being pretty homesick) I came across this restaurant and decided it was a sign so I should eat there. I ended up having a veggie burger and even though it wasn’t quite Parisian food it was a meal I’m happy I had. They have an extensive menu of more American type fare if you’re looking for that. All being said - the appropriation of Native’s is not something I condemn, just be aware there is a lot of that at this establishment.

Le Beurre Bordier - a special, French type of butter that will blow your mind & forever raise the bar on how butter SHOULD taste.

Basically any bread or pastry (especially baguettes or croissants) - seriously, I don’t think I’ve had even half as good of a pastry since I was in Paris. There was a little bakery tucked off the street nearish to my hostel I stopped at every morning for a croissant. Be sure to buy local to ensure they’re handmade and enjoy every delicious second.

Macarons - This iconic little bite of Paris is a must have, no matter the flavor! I picked mine up from bakeries all around and was never disappointed! My personal favorite flavors? Strawberry, Pistachio and Chocolate!

Frites: They may just be a different version of fries but dang these are so so good! Whether you have them with a steak or just on their own walking around exploring you really ought to give them a go!

Still looking for more food ideas? Check out this Paris Food Bucket list here!

How can I save money on transportation? With over 300 subway station, Paris is super easy to get around! A Day Pass for the subway is only $15 a day (13.20 Euros) which can save you tons in comparison to Ubers and Taxis.
Is the tap water safe here? YES! At restaurants you will be charged for filtered water - usually provided to you in a bottle. If you want free water be sure to ask for tap!
I want to try the food without paying a ton, what should I do? Have a picnic! Head into the markets and local grocers, snag some bread, cheese, meats and wine and find a grassy area to take it all in!
Is there a museum pass? YES! The Paris Museum Pass is prepaid and gives you access to over 70 museums and monuments all around Paris. A two day pass costs $53 (48 Euros) and the four day pass costs $69 (62 Euros). If you are coming especially for the museums and monuments this is a great option for you! It also gets you ahead in lines which can be a major plus if you’re pressed on time.
Is anything free in Paris? YES! Museums are free on the first Sunday of every month. That being said, this is an incredibly busy time to visit so be aware if you want to take advantage of this perk!
If you’re going to eat out for one meal a day, make it lunch. Restaurants do a pre-fixe menu for lunch ranging between $11 - $20. It’s the exact same that they’ll be serving at dinner but its half the price - a win, win for you!
Bring your student ID! If you’re a student of any kind or have an unexpired ID, be sure to bring it with you! Almost every museum in Paris (and all of Europe) have student discounts and can save you a few Euros here and there that really start to add up!
If you’re visiting in August, be aware of closures! August is a month many Parisians take off to holiday. While the biggie attractions will be open, more local experiences like restaurants and shops will not be open. If this is an important part of traveling to you, maybe rethink visiting this month.
The catacombs are NOT a secret. For whatever reason many travel guides list the catacombs as some off-the-beaten-path attraction and this is simply not the case. You WILL wait in a very long line for hours possibly to get in to see things so be prepared for that!
Not everyone is super cute in Paris. Despite movies and popular depictions of Paris there are normal people who wear normal non-Rom-Com clothes! Be comfy (and cute if you want!) but don’t feel like you have to dress up super nice to just walk around and travel.
Buy the skip-the-line ticket for Versailles. While I personally was not able to visit Versailles while I was in Paris, I have many friends who have gone and if you’re in a time crunch or seriously don’t want to wait in a crazy long line, buying the skip-the-line ticket is super worth it here!
The Louvre is cool… but kind of overrated. Ok, hear me out! I know the Louvre is awesome - I enjoyed it! But, it is not the ONLY museum you should see in your time here. There is incredible art, history and culture all over the city that you should give a chance! My personal favorite is the Muse de Orsay!
Say hello! Be sure to say hello (bonjour) when entering shops, restaurants, etc. To not even say hello can be seen as the epitome of rudeness and honestly if you’re an American, you’ll be battling this stereotype already. Be nice and say hi!
You won’t be able to see ALL of Paris in a weekend. As sad as it is to say, it takes much more time in Paris to see and do all the things than a weekend provides. If you’re set on seeing it all, give yourself at least 4-6 days to do so comfortably!