Curator’s statement
Paris didn’t fully click for me the first time—it felt busy, overwhelming, and full of things I thought I had to do. But on my second and third visits, I approached it differently and ended up loving it. Slowing down, leaving space in the schedule, and letting the city unfold made all the difference. For me, Paris is at its best in the in-between moments—a coffee at a café, a walk with no destination, or sitting in the park watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night.
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Things to do in Paris
Join a Hands-On French Baking Experience: This ended up being one of my favorite things I’ve done in Paris. It’s hands-on, fun, and gives you a deeper appreciation for French baking culture—plus you leave with a bag full of freshly baked goodies, which doesn’t hurt.
Spend time at the Eiffel Tower park: Instead of just seeing the Eiffel Tower and moving on, bring a book or snack and stay awhile. Sitting in the grass, reading, and people-watching ended up being one of the most memorable parts of the trip.
Do a casual café “crawl:” Pick a neighborhood and stop at a few cafés along the way—not for full meals, just a coffee, a drink, or a quick bite. One of our favorite moments was grabbing macarons from Carette and then sitting in Place des Vosges, just people watching and enjoying the afternoon.
Explore neighborhoods without an agenda: Some of the best moments come from simply walking with no destination. We spent time wandering near Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen on our first day, and another afternoon exploring around Notre Dame, where we stumbled into Marché aux Fleurs de Paris. These are the kinds of places you don’t always plan for, but end up remembering most.
Enjoy rooftop drinks with a view: Paris has some great rooftop spots, and they’re perfect for an afternoon break. Perruche (on top of Printemps) is one of the more well-known options—it has a slightly dressier, “scene-y” feel and may require reservations depending on timing. If you’re not able to get a table there, the rooftop level below offers a more casual option with the same beautiful views.
Places to eat & drink in Paris
La Nesle: I had stopped in here on a previous trip just for drinks and saw the slider burgers being served—and immediately knew I had to come back for them. They fully lived up to the hype. They’re rich, a little indulgent, and definitely something to share if you can. If you have a sweet tooth, there’s also a chocolate cake inspired by the one from Matilda on the menu—it’s €32 and very much a “the more people, the better” situation.
Tarantula: A darker, moodier spot with a completely different feel from traditional Parisian restaurants. The menu leans Mexican, and the tuna crudo was a standout—a fun option if you’re looking to switch things up from classic French cuisine.
Carette: We were on a mission to find great macarons, and this was one of the top recommendations we got. They’re beautifully packaged (perfect for bringing home as souvenirs) and just as good as they look. An easy stop to pair with a walk through Place des Vosges.
Bouillon République: An affordable and approachable place to try traditional French dishes like duck confit or escargot. It’s a great option if you want to experience classic cuisine without committing to a high-end restaurant.
Café Bohème: This ended up being one of our favorite stops of the trip. It has great Parisian café energy, a fun happy hour cocktail menu, and is an easy place to settle in for a while. It’s also close to the Eiffel Tower park, which makes it the perfect stop after a slow afternoon of walking or sitting in the park.
Foufou: Ideal for a slower morning or a hangover brunch. The coffee crème pancakes are a standout and it’s a fun, slightly different take on a Paris café experience.
Need to know
Paris can feel overwhelming, especially on a first visit. There’s a long list of things people feel like they have to do—but trying to do everything can take away from enjoying the city.
What worked best for me was planning one or two anchor activities per day, and leaving the rest open. That created space for slower moments—sitting at a café, wandering into a bakery, or just walking without a plan—which ended up being the most memorable parts of the trip.
Where you stay can also shape your experience. Staying in the 7th arrondissement, near the Eiffel Tower, felt especially magical—particularly at night when the tower sparkles.
If you’re deciding between packing your itinerary or slowing down, there’s no right answer—but if you have the time, I’d highly recommend giving yourself space to experience Paris beyond just checking off the major sights.
Travel Advisor
Stefanie Green
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