If you're interested in going to Paris but you're not sure where to begin with planning, then this could be the post for you. I can't give you the ultimate guide since I wasn't able to see absolutely everything, but I'm happy to share some tips and lessons learned from my recent trip!
BEFORE YOU GO
Other than your basic booking, here's a few things you should take note of:
Currency - Paris is pretty good about taking credit/debit cards at most places. But don't forget to check with your bank how much they would charge you for foreign transaction fees. Some banks offer credit cards that don't charge you anything, but if you need to open a new card, give yourself time to receive the card via the snail mail.
I also suggest you exchange your cash with your bank before you leave to avoid extra costs, but make sure you do that in advance since most of them need about 48 hours to do so.
Also, service charges/tips at restaurants and taxes are already included in the prices so what you see is exactly what you'll pay!
Baggage - Definitely leave space in your luggage because Paris is known for shopping. If you're like me, you'll need plenty of space for gifts and souvenirs to bring back to your loved ones!
As everyone knows, Europe is well-known for it's pick pocketers so I suggest you get a travel safe bag - here is the backpack I bought and absolutely love. It's cute in pictures, incredibly small and yet big enough to carry all the essentials, and safe enough that I never worried about getting pick pocketed. And I can proudly say that I made it the entire trip without losing a single thing!
Language - Learn a few things before/during your trip! They say the French aren't fans of Americans, but if you greet them in French it shows that you respect their language and in return they're more likely to respect you. I was able to buy things with just these few phrases and the cashiers had no idea I didn't really speak French!
Bonjour - Hello
Bonsoir - Good evening
S'il vous plaît - Please
Merci - Thank you
Bonne journée - Have a nice day
Bonne soirée - Have a nice evening
Excusez-moi - excuse me (when you're going to ask someone for something)
Pardon - excuse me (when you're trying to get past someone)
Au Revoir - Goodbye
Electronics - Did you know that they use different plugs?! I sure didn't! Lucky me, Keemia had an extra adapter for me to use. Make sure you bring/buy an adapter or you'll be stuck with dead electronics your whole trip!
SITES TO SEE
Eiffel Tower - Obviously the most famous attraction in Paris! You need to take an obligatory Eiffel Tower picture if you’re in Paris.
Some sites may tell you otherwise, but I definitely recommend getting off the metro at Trocadéro for the perfect view and picture taking place (see the picture at the top of this post).
Musée du Louvre - If you never know what that glass pyramid everyone takes pictures in front of is, this is it. It’s the world’s largest museum and where you’ll find the notorious Mona Lisa. It only costs around 15€ to get in, so definitely put it on your itinerary!
Arc de Triomphe/Avenue des Champs-Élysées - Another famous attraction in Paris. What I’m about to advise may sound dangerous but the key for the best photo is actually in the middle of the street next to the stop light! You should also check out the other end of Champs-Élysées to see the ferris wheel at Place de la Concorde.
Sacré-Cœur Basilica - Gorgeous Roman Catholic church with a great view of Paris. It’s located in Montmartre which is a cute area to walk around and enjoy the Parisian charm and street art.
Notre-Dame - I was unlucky and didn’t get to see the inside but I’ve heard it’s a sight to see! I can however vouch for the exterior of it - which was beautifully detailed on all sides!
Château de Versailles (Palace of Versailles) - It’s a bit out of the heart of Paris (about an hour journey) so unfortunately I ran out of time and didn’t make it to this awesome place. But the pictures look gorgeous and the Hall of Mirrors look so grand. It will definitely be at the top of my list next time!
Le Jardin du Luxembourg - Beautiful park with a pond that’s just the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Think of it as the Parisian version of NYC’s Central Park!
Hôtel de Ville - Paris’ city hall, amazing architecture, right next to the Seine river and near great shopping streets like Rue de Rivoli!
FOODS TO EAT
There are cafes on every corner, so make sure you take as many opportunities as you can to sit outside and just enjoy the unique ambiance! Also, the pastries (specifically pain au chocolats) are to die for. They really are the best I’ve ever had - so buttery, airy, and flakey, it’s ridiculous! Enjoy them while you can because I’ve only been gone for 2 days and I already feel deprived!
Make sure to try an almond croissant because I regret not getting those from the beginning. Most cafes have great fixed breakfast menus (called formules) to get a croissant, baguette with various jams, fresh juice and a hot beverage (like my go-to: cappuccino) for about 10€. I'm all about variety so I loved having this combo!
There are some essential French foods that I made sure to try. They’re at most cafes/restaurants simply because you’re in France:
Crêpes/galette (buckwheat crêpes)
Croissants and baguettes
French cheeses
Croque monsieur (or croque madame for the same thing with an egg on top)
Soupe à l'oignon (French onion soup)
Fondue savoyarde
Crème brûlée
A few notable places I tried and recommend:
Ladurée - If you love macarons, this is the place for you. I went to the one in the center of the Champs-Élysées which is a beautifully classy restaurant. Yes, they have Laduree in America (at least in LA where I live) but this is the original and if you like fancy things like me, you’ll love this place. There’s typically a long line here but I’ve got a trick for you - go straight to the back and seat yourself at the bar. You’ll get the full service and the same macaron options without the wait! Also, check out the upstairs (just go to the restrooms) because it really is a beautiful restaurant!
Angelina - Angelina makes the world’s most famous hot chocolate, so how could you pass up trying it? I found their hot chocolate to be very rich and smooth. You can also buy some of their famous chocolates, jams, and tea that make great souvenirs! I’m obsessed with their crispy marbles coated with milk chocolate and regret not buying more...so if you go, make sure you bring me back some! Also make sure you take a minute to admire the architecture and the interior design!
Season - The hipster, pretentious cafe with Instagram worthy meals. If you’re from LA like me, you can probably skip this place since it’s not extremely French and we have enough hipster cafes back home. But the food is yummy, so if you’re about those hipster food pictures and have extra time, then why not check it out? Expect a long wait though!
SHOPPING
Paris is the city of fashion, but especially when it comes to brand names. If you’re like me and enjoy good deals, I’d be happy to share a few more affordable places I found.
First off, Galeries Lafayette is like the ultimate department store. You’ll find a huge variety of designer brands here - but even if you don’t want to spend that much money, you should still go to check out architecture and rooftop view.
Souvenirs - Personally, I like to bring back more heartfelt and useful souvenirs than the basic keychains and knick knacks, but Paris can be a little more difficult in this aspect. A few essential French things are pastries, chocolates, cheeses, teas, and wine. However, if you don’t want to buy something food related, fashion items are great. I found a few items (jewelry and clothes) at the cute little boutiques on the streets. Other than that, I couldn’t find anything that was what you’d consider “typical French” that my friends and family would completely appreciate.