PARIS Travel Guide
Plaza Athénée : I love this hotel so much and I feel like I can say that especially after being there for a full week. The service was unbelievable, the location from everything was ideal. We were within a 10 minute drive from every single thing we did outside of Versailles. You’re also on the best shopping street in basically all of Paris, L’Avenue Montaigne. You walk out and you’re staring at Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior. K? K.
Shangri-La Hotel: Undeniably has the best view of the Eiffel tower in all of Paris. You have to get a suite with a Eiffel Tower view in order to get the open window and bathtub you that I had on my birthday, but it’s well worth it. We just stayed for one night. I’ve heard you can also rent Airbnb’s in this area that have similar rooftop decks which I assume would be incredible and I would definitely think about doing that if I were to stay for longer than a few nights next time I come to Paris.
CLICK on any item of clothing in the above image to shop my looks via the Amaryllis website. I HIGHLY recommend packing layers. When the sun came out, it was beautiful and warm but when it was cloudy or raining, the temps definitely dropped down into the 50s. I wore a light jacket every night and also had one on-hand during the day time! I linked everything that I wore on the trip with Amaryllis Apparel. (BONUS: They now offer AfterPay so you can pay for all your duds over time and not break the bank all at once! Can I get an AMEN!?)
Versailles Palace – this was the most touristy thing that we did and honestly I had a smile on my face the entire time because I couldn’t believe how incredible it was. We did not do a guided tour, but just walked the grounds and gardens on our own. Let me tell you, it is worth the 25 minute drive outside of Paris. There are a couple restaurants on site where you can eat as well and the town of Versailles is so quaint, I think you’ll find a day at there is well worth your time, money, and pictures.
The Eiffel tower – whether you’re staying in the area or making a trip to the Eiffel tower, I do think going up and seeing views of Paris are worth the ticket to get in. It was raining the day that we went so we only spent about 45 minutes total there and that was all we needed. The surrounding areas have really cool photo opportunities like merry-go-rounds and cute cafes with the Eiffel tower in the backdrop.
SKIP: The long lines at the LOUVRE. Do the Louvre, but do it on your own terms. There is absolutely NO way to see all of the Louvre in one day (or 20 days) so be really strategic on what you want to get out of your visit there. I personally, only cared to see the Mona Lisa, and the line for that was like 2 hours long so we ended up walking around the museum and the surrounding gardens because it was so beautiful outside that day. If you want to see something particular; get a ticket for right when the museum opens.
1. Pink Mama – More of a lunch spot, however the food and atmosphere is unbelievable. We sat on the fourth floor rooftop terrace that is covered in the most beautiful glass ceiling- dripping in ivy and flowers. The “pink mama” cocktail & truffle pasta cannot be missed!! Ambience and the best food in Paris? Yes please. I could’ve spent HOURS here.
2. Laudurée – we went to the Famous Laudurée on the Champs Elysées and had the most incredible breakfast complete with their world famous macaroons and they were TO. DIE. FOR. Capture the most amazing pictures inside, of the architecture outside, and the famous monument in the backdrop! Easy to pop in for coffee and a quick macaroon if you don’t have a reservation!
3. L’Avenue – Known for its celebrity sightings & right off of one of the most high-end retail streets in the world, this quaint little café sits on a corner where you can enjoy some of the worlds best people watching as you nom on their delicious menu and cocktails.
4. Evening on the Seine River – we actually took a boat cruise but while we were on it the Eiffel tower started lighting up and it was the most incredible night on the river. The tour we did had light appetizers and beverages but I could tell that all of the little restaurants and cafés on the river were packed with people and it looked like you could get tables all along the river – experiencing the same type of views – if you wanted to just do dinner on the river. Ambience is unbeatable.
5. Hotel Costes – Drinks and Dinner here are a MUST. This was one spot that every single person who gave me recs for Paris included in there list. The craft cocktails and ambience are unparalleled and there’s a good chance you’ll spot a celebrity inside.
2. Moulin Rouge – I cannot overstate this enough. This is a must do. The show was absolutely incredible unlike anything I’ve ever seen before or anything you’ll ever find in the United States. Not trashy at all; in fact, I could not believe the costumes, choreography, and pure talent I was witnessing. It makes for a very fun night : grab dinner before hand, the show starts around midnight, and you’ll be home by 2 AM. Would have done this twice!
3. Get LOST. Paris is hands-down the easiest city to go to – without an agenda. You should plan extra time everywhere you decide to go, because there is so much to see in and around all the sights. There are TONS of adorable cafes, vintage boutiques, high-end shopping, people watching, and enough incredible architecture to keep you busy all day long. Its sensory overload in the best way possible. Every building and and sign and street is dripping in refined decadence.
Whether you’re in Paris for a short time or long – there’s literally something for EVERYONE.