Paris
The last time I was in Paris, I texted my friend:– “Paris to me is like when Goldilocks finally eats the porridge that’s just right.”
Every time I return to Paris, it truly does feel just right. The volume of the city is perfect to me – a gentle hum, not too subdued, not roaring. There’s the pleasant tinkling cups and saucers at a nearby café, friends chattering over a park bench, the whirring of a bike. Passerby never seem to be in a mad rush to get anywhere—even during the busiest hours on the metro. With time moving so much slower than I’m used to, I always delight at the city’s attention to detail– ornate architectural elements, the careful composition of an art exhibition, the way desserts in a shop window are iced to perfection. And I can never get over the enchanting quality of the city’s glow, the way buildings light up the water after sunset with hazy, smudged brushstrokes.
Paris was the first city that taught me how to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and to welcome everyday inspiration. I look forward to future visits for years to come.
where to stroll & stay
Paris is incredibly walkable. Compared to taking the metro, it takes a very similar amount of time to walk to certain neighborhoods. If you choose to take the metro, make sure to keep your little ticket to swipe on your way out!
11th/Oberkampf - Less touristy neighborhood with young residents, bars, and local eateries.
3rd/4th Arrondissement - I loved living here when I studied abroad. Great boutiques, eateries, and bookstores along with green spaces: Place de Vosges and Square Du Temple.
Canal Saint-Martin - This is one of my favorite areas of Paris as it’s much more lowkey. Interesting food, bars, and a chill atmosphere. People often sit right along the canal to share bottles of wine.
Montmartre - Keep your eye out for pickpockets, but the view is worth a visit.
Belleville - I interned in this area a couple times of week in university and loved finding a local Chinatown! Buy random groceries out here they’re cheaper.
2e/Opéra/Palais Royale - Grab some Asian snacks on Rue Sainte-Anne on your way.
Quartier Latin - Check out La Sorbonne and Jardin du Luxembourg. Many terrasses with cheap, student-friendly drinks.
where to eat
If you want to shop at a local market, Enfant Rouges in the Marais and République market are great options. Follow David Lebovitz for more recommendations.
L’as Du Fallafel - Actually the only thing you need to eat in Paris. Go to the line where there’s a man taking orders.
Breizh Café -Crêpes and Galettes. Call or walk in to make reservation in advance
Chez Imogène - Same as above, but slightly more of a family oriented vibe
Miznon - Affordable, filling, Israeli inspired dishes. Get the famous cauliflower.
Gros Bao - Didn’t get to go but on my list for bao buns and other Chinese small plates.
Clown Bar - Great ambiance, trendy, but more importantly, terrific food.
Big Mamma restaurants ex. Big Love Caffe, Ober Mamma - Nice group restaurants for Italian pasta, pizza, and tiramisu.
Mancora Cebicheria - Artfully done ceviche
Happy Nouilles - If you’ve had a long day of sightseeing, this is the spot for Asian noodles.
Derrière - Conceptual restaurant that is set up to look like someone’s apartment. A fun bar inside.
Huitrerie Régis - Tiny restaurant with prix fixe wine, unlimited bread, and crazy oyster towers
Aux Deux Amis - Nice neighborhood spot if you’re looking for a French bistro experience
Wild & The Moon - Açai bowls, matcha, smoothies, and health food
where to eat - bakeries and coffeeshops
Utopie - A friend and I recently booked an Airbnb across the street from Utopie, not realizing it was named the best boulangerie in Paris in 2016. Best decision we made our entire trip. Try the sesame based pastries and the croissants.
Saveurs de Pains - Another great bakery in the Marais
Au Petit Versailles Du Marais - Often bought chocolate Viennoise here, and the decor was very cute.
Aki Boulangerie - Delicious Japanese pastries, including mochi-inspired offerings
Institut Suédois - Swedish café in the heart of the Marais with great atmosphere
Strada Café - Rue Monge location is bigger
Le Peloton - Neighborhood coffee shop
Caféothèque - Great to sit and do work in
Nuage - if you’re ever in need of a coworking space
what to see
Though The Louvre is a classic, I prefer slightly smaller museums like:
Pompidou including Atelier Brancusi - if you like contemporary art like me, this is the place to go!
L’Orangerie - Monet’s Water Lilies.
Musée d’Orsay - I prefer the size of the collection here, with a focus on French Impressionist work.
Palais de Tokyo, Fondation Louis Vuitton, Grand Palais - depending on the exhibition
Deyrolle - Not a museum, but a fascinating taxidermy store turned education center on the Left Bank
what to buy - vintage
As vintage pop ups come and go every season, I’d recommend wandering near Rue Charlot/Square Du Temple and where the 2nd/3rd arrondissements intersect to see what you find.
Chinemachine - in Montmartre. Highly recommend
Bobby - Fun, unique pieces at slightly elevated prices
Flea Market (Saint-Ouen): For amazing home decor, not only designer clothes.
FreepStar - you’ll need to sift. I liked the one on Rue du Rivoli, not the one near the Pompidou.
Nice Piece- two locations in the Marais. Highly recommend
Citizen Concept Store - Huge selection, designer pieces
Thanks God I’m a VIP - One of the largest shops I’ve ever been to, and it’s color coded. The assortment leans a bit old-school.
what to buy
Merci - famous concept store. What’s a concept store, you ask? The kind of store that has affordable stocking stuffers, unaffordable home decor, & the most obscure, unnecessary, but oh-so-parisien stuff--like pen nibs, decorative ribbons, leather cases for your tiny pencil sharpener. There will be tourists taking photos in front of the Merci car outside. Join them.
Fleux - More homewares and gift shopping. There are stores on both sides of the street.
The Broken Arm - modern, hypewear designer pieces here. This is where Salomon realized there was streetwear demand for their trail shoes.
Bimba Y Lola - I love purchasing from this Spanish brand when I have the chance as they’re not in the USA. If you’re seeking a comfortable, chic heel or an eye-catching scarf, buy here!
Monsieur - Next to Wild and the Moon on Rue Charlot. I’ve had a Monsieur necklace around my neck for five years now.
Sézane - I’ve always admired this brand for being a major digital e-commerce breakout from France.
Ysé, Love Stories - Looking for romantic lingerie? These are decoratively arranged in the storefront windows, so you can’t miss them.
Sandro, Carven, Claude Pierlot, and Zadig Stock aka. discounted outlet stores are located in the Marais. If you’re going to Montmartre, stop by APC Stock
Galeries Lafayette, Printemps department stores near Boulevard Haussmann - Check out the amazing ceilings and go to the top of Printemps for a view.
Pharmacy Monge - Impressively large, slightly claustrophobic skincare pharmacy location. Most pharmacies carry the same stuff. Stock up on: Nuxe, Bioderma, Embroyllise (really changed my skin)
Yvon Lambert Bookstore - Bookstore full of beautiful titles, a respite for a breather
OFR Bookshop - Another favorite bookshop with unique zines and coffee table books
where to go out
For bars, hop around Oberkampf, Bastille, République, and Canal Saint-Martin. Check Resident Advisor and Shotgun apps for live music.
Le Perchoir - Chic rooftop bar with two locations, great for predrinks.
Candelaria - Speakeasy/cocktails in the Marais. Grab tacos in the front, then enter a secret door to the rest of the place.
Lavomatic - Speakeasy cocktails in République. The entrance looks like a laundromat with a secret entrance.
Prescription Cocktail Club - Unlabeled, in St. Germain. Classy and exceedingly large.
Faust - Dancing, funk/house, but cover is expensive
Silencio - Cool David Lynch-owned club. If you show up past midnight and wear a decent outfit, you can still get in.
Wanderlust - Attended a few times if there was a specific event
Rex Club, Djoon, Badaboum - Hosted similar techno events as above
Le Pavillon du Canaux - Went to a very fun, random house-turned-party venue. DJ in the kitchen, video games in the bathrooms, drinking everywhere. I think it’s a coffeeshop during the day.
where to move
Run or bike along the Seine. Other paths include: Tuileries, Jardin Du Luxembourg, or to Pont d’Iena.
Take a free class at Dynamo or Let’s Ride, the French version of SoulCycle. French people are not great at spinning, so no pressure for you.
