Paris is always a good idea

No matter how many times you go to Paris, there is always something new to discover, and this last trip was no exception.

There’s something about Paris in the springtime – or so I learned on my most recent trip to Paris. This trip marked my third time in the city of lights, and it did not disappoint. The first time I was in Paris was with a group of friends the summer before my senior year of college. Our experience was that of most college students backpacking through Europe – staying at a low key hostel, wandering around aimlessly on the Metro, and marveling at how cheap wine was.

The second time I visited Paris was a few years ago with my husband. My mission was champagne, cheese and Chanel. His mission was much simpler, gummy bears (yes, gummy bears). Most pharmacies and markets stock a myriad of gummy bear flavors that we won’t find back in the states – something definitely worth stocking up on for the plane ride home.

This year was a special trip to Paris, as I jetted off for a full week for a girls trip! We rented a darling two bedroom Airbnb in what is now my favorite neighborhood, and more importantly, with a terrace that stretched the length of the apartment, making for the perfect setting for sitting down with a glass of rosé after all of our explorations. And with uncharacteristically perfect weather, we enjoyed the terrace every day we were there.

There is still so much more I want to do and see in Paris, but here are my favorite things to do in Paris, along with tips and things to know before you go:

My favorite things to do in Paris (check out a breakdown of my favorites here)

• Versailles Bike Tour

• Champagne Tour

• Cooking Class

• Wine and macarons (Pierre Hermé of course) at the Eiffel Tower at night

• Skip climbing the Eiffel Tower, opt for the Arc de Triomphe instead (get your tickets in advance!)

• Shop local for cheese (La Fermette is the best) and pastries (Café Stohrer) to bring back to your hotel or Airbnb

• Stop by Marché Maubert for the best croissant ever (from La Maison d’Isabelle), then walk across the street for the best baguette ever (from La Parisienne)

• Have a picnic along the Seine (get your goodies at all the shops!) – and yes, you can bring wine!

• Be a tourist, hop on a river cruise

• Go to the park at the Eiffel Tower – be mindful of the vendors, politely say “non, merci” – also with goodies for a picnic, day or night!

• Grab coffee at Café Kitsune and walk through the Jardin de Tuileries

• Get lost in all the glorious kitchen gadgetry that is E. Dehillerin (Julia Child shopped here!)

Where to eat!

• Le Consulat – everyone, myself included, will tell you to avoid restaurants in touristy areas. Ignore all that advice and have a memorable meal at Le Consulat in Montmartre near the Sacre C’ouer.

• Le Compas – Well worth the wait for outdoor seating and a front row to the best people watching along rue Montorgueil

• Café Kitsune – this ended up being my favorite spot for coffee, and one of the best mochaccinos I have ever had; and don’t worry, the line moves quickly!

• La Pointe – another spot for great outdoor seating, the side dishes stole the show for us (we’re talking about you, green beans with mushrooms!)

• Daroca – French food is great, but Paris has other cuisines to try, and after craving pizza, Daroca did not disappoint!

• Lasserre – We went for it and tried a Michelin star restaurant and it was a memorable experience for sure!

Tips for making the most of your trip

• Learn the basics of the language. No need to be a Francophile, but be polite and say “bonjour” and “merci”

• Get the right adapters – this one was a game changer as there were so few outlets in the apartment and I could charge both my watch and phone this way.

• Wear the right shoes – It can be hard to pack sensibly in a city renowned for haute couture, but I lived in my Veja Wata sneakers the entire time, and would wear these Tory Burch sandals at night or on low-key days.

• Buy your tickets in advance for ALL attractions (Arc de Triomph, Louvre, etc.) – it will save you time or the disappointment when things are closed or sold out.

Check out more photos from my latest trip in my Paris highlights on Instagram!