I haven’t been back to Paris since 2014, so believe me, I was JAZZED to see the city as a more mature, seasoned traveler. Between the chic Parisian style, cafes on every corner, world-class art, beautiful gardens, and Bordeaux wine - Paris does not need much more of an introduction, so let’s jump in.

Arrondissements

If you pull up the map, Paris is separated into twenty arrondissements, or neighborhoods, each with a unique vibe and things to do and see. A starting point for the Arrondissements are:

Le Marais historic district on the Seine's right bank, with museums, art, and great hotels
Saint-Germain-des-Prés or 6th Arrondissement chic and home to many popular cafes
1st Arrondissement Royal Palace and the Louvre
8th Arrondissement Arc de Triomphe and the Champs-Elysees
Montmartre in the 18th Arrondissement charming hilltop district, a former artists' village with gorgeous cafes

getting around

Walking in Europe is always a good idea, but to see the different arrondissements and save on time, the metro is super easy to navigate and about €2 / ride. Google Transit worked fine for me, but to be safe, download CityMapper and look at the route ahead of time and where you are based.

*Pro-Tip: Some Metro trains run above ground and offer incredible views of the city. Take Metro Line 6 for the best views of the Eiffel Tower - look out the window at stop Trocadéro.

Uber is also available to save on time in Paris, but even better rent an electric bike through your Uber app and see Paris on two wheels.

stay

Since this was a quick trip, a hotel was the play, however, I am sure there are amazing AirBNBs.

Our stay at Hotel Ponte Royal was a 10/10. Great location in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés - walking distance to many cafes, restaurants, sites, and a short walk to Metro Line 12.

hotel paris balcony — My only request for a hotel room was a small balcony, and these views did NOT disappoint!

Other hotels I considered in a similar price range were:

Dadou Paris
Hotel Elysia
Hotel Rochechouart
Adele & Jules
Seven Hotel Paris
Hotel des Grands Boulevard
Hotel Beige
If you are looking for a bit more luxury, check out the new Soho House Paris in the heart of the Pigalle neighborhood (non-members can add Soho Friends membership when making a booking) or Cour des Vosges

cafes

Les Deux Magots - oldest cafe in Paris

Cafe de Flore - a must-stop in Saint Germain, just a block away from Les Deux Magots

Maison Sauvage - on the cutest corner in Saint Germain, covered in flowers

Le Recrutement Cafe - turn the corner and see the Eiffel Tower!

Cafe Bonaparte - this cafe could not be more Parisian

*Pro-tip: head to the Montmarte and cafe hop to Le Consulat, a favorite of Van Gough and Picasso, the idyllic and insta-worthy, La Maison Rose, and La Bossue for traditional french bites.

eat

Maison Kayser hit up any of the boulanger locations for award-winning artisnal bread

Relais de l'Entrecôte unlimited steak-frites and secret sauce? Say no more. Don’t let the line scare you, this place runs efficiently as ever

Chez Alain Miam Miam for casual sandwiches in Marchés des Enfants Rouge - the oldest food market in Paris

Le Grande Epicerie ultra-refined gourmet food market with wine, baked goods, cheese, and anything you can think of. Perfect for a stop on the way to fill your picnic basket en route to the Eiffel Tower

Brasserie Vaudeville for traditional french dinner

steak-frites are the only option at Relais de l'Entrecôte so veggies be aware!

to-do

Any first-timer to Paris must fit in a picnic by the Eiffel Tower, a walk down the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, the Louvre, and Notre Dame. A few others ideas for your trip:

Palais Garnier. the location the Phantom of the Opera book and musical is based on this building! I am a major Phantom fan, so I opted for a tour which was totally worth it.
Stroll along the Seine and Pont Neuf - the oldest stone bridge in Paris.
Cafe-hop in Saint-Germain or Montmarte
If the lines at the Louvre are too much, just as amazing are the Musée de l’Orangerie featuring works of Henri Matisse, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Pablo Picasso, or the Musée d’Orsay.
One of my favorite memories of my first trip to Paris was a bike tour at sunset (or rent an Uber bike and see the city!) and a
Night River Cruise on the Seine which is a beautiful way to see the Eiffel Tower and all of Paris at night

tips

If you are a major museum person and have the time, consider purchasing the Paris Museum Pass for access to over 50 museums, galleries, and cultural centers.
Stay vigilant for pickpockets and scammers, especially if you are taking the metro
Check opening times! Like most European cities, Parisians take time off - check ahead of time if shops/restaurants close during the day after lunch or on Sun/Mon/Tues.
Don’t be in a rush when going to eat out. Also, the bill will only be dropped on the table when you ask for it ("l'addition, s'il vous plait").