#1 Must Do/Eat/See Paris
#1 See Local Parisian life in the 5th / 6th Arrondissements
Paris is split into 20 districts(arrondissements). Its also split into two sides Rive gauche and rive droite (left vs right side of river). Rive Gauche is home to two of Paris' most loved districts, the 5th and 6th. Key places to visit: - Rue Mouffetard (5th) - Place de La Contrescarpe (5th) - Blvd Saint-Germain (6th) - Jardin du Luxembourg (6th) These areas will have the best restaurants in Paris on the tiny twisting streets, but be warned: Don't fall into the tourist trap spots of Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots. Though these spots were once frequented by the like of Hemingway and other creative expats of the 20s, now they draw crowds of tourists and steep prices for poor quality food/coffee
#2 The Marais
Is it true that the gay neighborhoods of any city always seem to be the most fun and lively? You can definitely say this about Paris' Marais. As many foreigners, this was my first home in Paris, as it's centrally located and full of amazing food, bars, and incredible shopping. Must see: - Shopping on Rue Vieille du Temple - Fallafel from L'As du Fallafel (its also Paris' Jewish neighborhood) - Stroll through Place des Vosges: home to the royals pre-Louvre
#3 The Bohemian dream of Montmartre & Pigalle
Montmartre: Paris' "Mountain" (bring good walking shoes) and the heart of where bohemian artists would gather, here you can visit the actual studios of artists that once called Paris home(Picasso) and take in views form the highest point of Paris -- the Sacre Coeur. I recommend strolling the backstreets where you'll find picturesque hidden gems like La Maison Rose. Pigalle: As you make your way down the "mountain" you'll find yourself in Pigalle aka Paris' red-light district. Home to the Moulin Rouge and many x-rated shows. I recommend avoiding the main Blvd de Clichy, as it doesn't attract the safest crowds, but if you head south of this main road you'll find the BEST nightlife in all of paris. Cute bars, night clubs/lounges, restaurants and the location of the exclusive members club, Soho House.
#4 Enjoy the picturesque Tuileries gardens
While visiting Paris' infamous Louvre to say 'Bonjour' to a certain Mona(or Joconde as the French call her). Make time to enjoy the beauty of the jardin des tuileries just out front of the Pyramid. Paris is a city of monuments, and no better place to see this than from Tuileries. (Pro tip: the top floors of the Musee des Arts Decoratifs have some nice views of the garden and beyond) Here you can see all or Paris' top monuments lined up: - the Obelisk of Place de La Concorde - the Champs Elysees - the Arc de Triomphe
#5 Get a dose of the Belle Epoque at Musee d'Orsay
Built in an old train station(you can get amazing views of Paris through the clock windows), Musee d'Orsay is this writer's favorite museum. Relive the Belle Epoque(Beautiful Age) of Paris through the collection of well-known, impressionist paintings, including the likes of Van Gogh and Monet. Tickets are free on the first Sunday of the month, but the queue on this day is rather long and not worth the wait in my opinion.
#6 Stroll along the Seine (from Notre Dame to Pont Alexandre III - or vice versa)
What is it about river banks in European cities? Nothing rivals the Seine which cuts through central Paris. Locals gather here on hot summer evenings for riverside picnics, romantic strolls, or even daily exercise. Take to the cobble stone path to take in the heart of Paris all at once. The banks around Ile de La Cite(Paris' larger island) provide the perfect spots to pitch up your picnic blanket with a bottle of wine and watch the sunset. Take in the view from Pont Neuf.