Paris: A Guide to the City of Lights and Cultural Cuisine

See the Eiffel Tower: No trip to Paris is complete without a visit to the Eiffel Tower. For the full experience, you can take an elevator (or climb the stairs if you're looking to work off your crepes) and see gorgeous views of the city from the top. When I was visiting Paris, we grabbed a crepe from a vendor and enjoyed it in the grassy area. Also, don't miss seeing the Eiffel Tower lit up at night! The twinkling lights are gorgeous.

Explore the Louvre Museum: Of course, you have to prioritize the Louvre when visiting Paris. I am really not much of a museum/art person, but the Louvre was incredible (and I don't use that word often). Even if museums aren't your thing either, add The Lourve to your Paris travel guide. I would also recommend buying tickets in advance. The Louvre is one of the world's largest and most famous museums, and home to the Mona Lisa. Its collections span centuries and continents. You could spend hours admiring all the galleries, sculptures, paintings, and artifacts and still not feel like you've seen everything.

Wander through Montmartre: Montmartre is a neighborhood that has long been an artistic hub for famous painters, writers, and performers. It's also a neighborhood with cobblestone streets, art studios, boutiques, and dozens of cafés. Be sure to also visit the majestic Sacré-Cœur Basilica at the top of the hill. You'll get to see panoramic views of the city. For the full Montmartre experience, sit in a café, sip a café au lait, and people watch.

Seine River Tour: The Seine River Tour is a nice/relaxing way to see more of the city since you’re seated the entire time! That said, it IS a touristy thing to do. You can play it by ear and buy tickets the day of - tours run every 30-60 minutes from the Pont Neuf bridge. This is the perfect thing to do for a weekend in Paris, because you get to see a lot of the city in a short time.

Moulin Rouge Show: Since its opening in 1889, Moulin Rouge has been a symbol of glamor and is a must during a weekend in Paris. You can purchase tickets ahead of time (in fact, it’s highly recommended) for one of their 2-3 shows per night.

Walk/shop on the Champs-Elysees: Walk along the Champs-Elysees, one of the most famous streets in Paris known for its great shopping.

See the Arc de Triomphe: From the Champs-Elysees, walk ~5 minutes to the iconic Arc de Triomphe. It’s one of the most famous monuments in Paris and a perfect spot for photos.

Get Macarons at Ladurée: Ladurée is one of the most famous macaron spots in the world. It’s been featured in many TV shows/movies and is a must during any weekend in Paris. They have dozens of macaron flavors. My personal favorites are the Rose and Passion Fruit. They all seem to just melt in your mouth.

Versailles: The Palace of Versailles is located just outside of Paris, and was the primary residence of French kings and queens from Louis XIV to Louis XVI. The architecture is stunning, and there are gorgeous gardens, halls, and chambers all throughout the property. Seeing The Hall Of Mirrors, where the Treaty of Versailles was signed in 1919, is a must.

La Maison Rose: La Maison Rose, or "The Pink House," is an iconic establishment in the historic Montmartre neighborhood. This quaint café has a timeless allure and is a beloved symbol of the Bohemian atmosphere that characterizes Montmartre. It dates back to the early 20th century, and has a rich history as a gathering place for writers and artists (like Pablo Picasso!). It’s a quintessential Paris café.

Pink Mamma: Another iconic spot in Paris is Pink Mamma. They literally have a 4.6 rating with 20k+ reviews on Google. The restaurant is part of the Big Mamma restaurant group, and there are a multitude of restaurants and bars throughout the city. Pink Mamma is one of their tops. There is a rooftop and of course, delicious food.

Girafe Restaurant: Girafe is another popular restaurant in Paris, mostly due to its great food and amazing view of the Eiffel Tower. Reservations can fill up quickly, so be sure to book as soon as they open up.*Note: One of the best parts of Girafe is its view of the Eiffel Tower from the outside patio. The outside patio is typically closed during Fall/Winter. So if you’re traveling to Paris in the Fall/Winter and hoping for a view, try Jules Verne instead. It’s located IN the Eiffel Tower and has gorgeous views of the city (along with great food).

Breizh Café: Their crepes are SO good and their outdoor seating is exactly what you’d imagine when thinking of dining in Paris. You can make reservations ahead of time, too. (There are a few locations)

Verjus: If you’re looking for an amazing dining experience with phenomenal food, head to Verjus for dinner. It’s known for its tasting menu - 6 courses to be exact. They have wine pairings or a great wine list for you to choose from. The restaurant itself is tucked away down an alley, and the vibe inside is super cozy. After dinner, head down to the Cellar Bar for a night cap.

Bar Hemingway: Bar Hemingway is one of the most famous bars in Paris. It’s known for its historical significance, and is named after Ernest Hemingway, who visited the bar in the 1920s. The walls are filled with photos and memorabilia of the historical people who have spent time there. The bar is super intimate and is committed to preserving the traditions of classic cocktails.

GrandCœur: GrandCœur, located in the heart of Paris' Marais district, is an elegant brasserie that combines modernity with classic Parisian charm. Housed in a historical courtyard, it offers an enchanting ambiance with its cobblestone surroundings and artistic flair. The restaurant serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Le Cinq: Le Cinq is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant located in the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel George V. The restaurant's interiors are opulent, with grand chandeliers, gold accents, and lush floral arrangements. Le Cinq is known for its impeccable service and amazing wine list, curated by an award-winning sommelier.