Paris: A Wanderer's Dream
Curated by Sunny Garcia
Guest post by Sunny Garcia, @sunnygarcia
The elevator pitch: It goes without saying that Paris is a place of beauty. It’s also so much more than that. It’s a place filled with romance, stunning views, unique architecture, a patisserie on every corner, it’s incredibly walkable and it’s an artistic & creative minds dream. Paris will always leave a lasting impression & is a lifetime must do.
When to go: The best time to jaunt to Paris is June to August and September through October. The summer months can be quite busy with tourists, however the weather is lovely and rarely is higher than mid 70s. The fall foliage is really beautiful but the weather can drop to high 40s at night - it’s nothing a cozy sweater or coat can’t handle.
Where to stay: There are a handful of unique and beautiful places to stay in Paris. A few charming boutique hotels are Hôtel R de Paris ($200+, check prices here) and Hôtel des Grands Boulevards ($230+, check prices here). On the higher end side, you can’t go wrong with La Demeure Montaigne ($380+, check here), Hotel Hoy ($260+, check here) or Hotel du Sentier ($300+, check here). Airbnbs are not a bad option as well - there are lots to choose from!How to get around: The Paris metro is the fastest form of transportation if you are traveling longer distances. Otherwise on-foot is recommended so you can take in its beauty!
Odds and ends: If you don’t speak French, the language barrier may cause some confusion. I like to look at it as a learning experience - who doesn’t want to learn how to say “je t’aime” in French (I love you!)
TRIP OVERVIEW
What this is: a getaway for wanderers and dreamers
What this isn’t: an overcrowded tourist excursion
Day 1: Some of the Classics
Breakfast at Holybelly 5
Picnic under the Eiffel Tower
Explore Palais Royal
Grab an aperitif at Le Pavillon des Canaux
Dinner at Le Derrière
Day 2: Uniqueness Around Every Corner
Breakfast at Cafe Charlot
Meander through La Dimension Fantastique
Lunch at La Sardine
Stroll through Passage Brady
Dinner at Da Vito
Day 3: Explore Some More!
Breakfast at Saint Pearl
Explore the Musee d’Orsay
Lunch at Mumi
Galavant over to Centre Pompidou
Dinner at La Girafe
THE DETAILED GUIDE
Day 1: Some of the Classics
Holybelly 5
Breakfast
map | site | @holybellycafe
Industrial and chic. This traditional English breakfast joint serves up delicious eggs, pancakes, coffee & beer in an industrial-chic setup. Perfect for a weekend brunch!
Palais Royal
Stroll and people watch
map | wiki
Charming and romantic. Take a stroll through the Palais Royal & sit by the fountain to people watch with a good book. This is such a charming spot and a great way to start off your day!
Lunch at the Eiffel Tower
Picnic under the Tower
map | wikipedia
Historic and famous. Pop into any local grocery store, grab some cheese and go have a picnic under the Eiffel Tower. One of the most charming, romantic and elegant spots in Paris - one we all know and love!
Le Pavillon des Canaux
Grab an aperitif
map | site | @lapvaillondescanaux
Artistic and beautiful. This colorful Cafe & Bar has charming decor that is meant to look like a house. It’s against the canal so you can watch péniche putter around. Listen to live music & watch the older local crowd gather as well. After a drink you must walk along the canal admiring the various street art murals & dreamy and romantic bridges that stretch along the way.
Derriere
Dinner
map | site | @restaurantderriere
Desired and delicious. Derriere has the best duck confit I have ever had. There is both indoor and outdoor courtyard seating. The restaurant is stunning and has cool rooms you can go into with different themes. There is even a hidden room upstairs with a speakeasy bar atmosphere.
Day 2: Uniqueness Around Ever Corner
Cafe Charlot
Breakfast in Central Paris
map | site | @le_charlot_paris
Neighborhood spot and classic. This is a great breakfast spot in central Paris in Le Marais. It’s got a nice outdoor seating area and it’s a fun place to watch people pass on by. They’ve got large plates that are great for sharing & delicious cocktails if you’re in for a breakfast buzz.
La Dimension Fantastique
Enjoy this comic book store
map | site | @ladimensionfantastique
Cultural and artistic. Pop on over to this indie french comic book store to peruse the fun bookshelves and select a few souvenirs! From novels to poetry and artwork the list goes on and on!
La Sardine
Lunch
map
Quaint and intimate. Step into San Sebastian and enter this wonderful tapas bar and restaurant found at 32 rue Sainte Marthe. This relaxing spot is tucked away under a charming shaded terrace. The tables are quite close so be ready to hear a bit about locals’ lives in Paris!
Passage Brady
Stroll through these beautiful pathways
map | wiki
Historic and charming. Take a stroll through “Passage Brady”, one of 20 covered pathways in the heart of the Kurdish & Turkish districts. The fragrant spices and small shops are sure to please and entertain any traveler.
Da Vito
Dinner
map | site | @davitopizzeria
Traditional and unique. A traditional Italian pizza kitchen! The ambiance will remind you of any good Italian pizza joint until you head to the bathroom where you’ll find a secret door that reveals it’s stunning 1950’s era speakeasy bar. This is a must do! Enjoy a delightful meal & cocktail post dinner.
Day 3: Explore Some More!
Saint Pearl
Brunch in Saint Germain de Près
map | @saint_pearl
Delicious and satisfying. This spot is a must for Sunday brunch located in Saint Germain de Près. I recommend you get there on the earlier side because there will be a line, but it will be well worth the wait! I suggest you order the pancakes, brioche omelette hybrid and the tartine.
Musee d’Orsay
Brush up on your French art
map | site | tickets | @museeorsay
Elegant and authentic. This museum holds mainly French art dating from 1848 to 1914, including paintings, sculptures, furniture, and photography. It houses the largest collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in the world. The entire place is truly a work of art.
Mumi
Lunch
map | reserve | site | @restaurantmumi
Inspiring and eclectic. With a tasting menu filled with french inspired cuisine, you really can’t go wrong. It’s warm and inviting and charming and delicious. The food really is exceptional and you are bound to have an amazing experience.
Centre Pompidou
A must do art adventure in Paris!
map
Modern and exquisite. The art is mind-blowing and incredibly worth the ticket price just to experience the architecture, plus the view is absolutely stunning. It was designed in the style of high-tech architecture by the architectural team of Richard Rogers, Su Rogers, Renzo Piano, along with Gianfranco Franchini. It houses music, art, architecture and more.
La Girafe
Dinner
map | reserve | site | @girafe_paris
Chic and upscale. This place serves gourmet seafood dishes in an upscale restaurant with a terrace & Eiffel Tower views. The best thing to order here is the grilled langoustines with ginger or the lobster linguine. You also must try the french fries here. They sort of remind me of McDonalds fries in the most perfect way!
What didn’t make the list?
A few additions if you have the time!
Visit La Conciergerie! More off the beaten path with less travelers than the more common spots.
Visit an old patisserie called Stohrer & Blé Sucré for a madeleine!
If you love Paris, you’ll also love
Rome. Jaunt coming soon!
Florence. Jaunt coming soon!
Nearby places to visit
Versailles. A quick train ride away.