Oh, Paris. Every time I visit this enchanting city I fall in love with it all over again. With its iconic landmarks, quaint cobblestone streets, and charming cafes around every corner, there’s no shortage of special experiences. Whether it’s the moment you first catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower shimmering at night or the delightful aroma of flaky croissants from a cozy boulangerie, there’s a timeless beauty to this city that I simply can’t get enough of.
Paris is always a good idea — so the next time you find yourself visiting the City of Light, check out this ultimate Paris bucket list to create some magical moments you’ll never forget.
Have Breakfast on the Balcony
Walking around Paris, I can’t help but marvel at all the elegant balconies lining the streets. A girl can dream about owning a Parisian pied-à-terre one day, but for now I’ll settle for a cute hotel balcony moment. There’s no better way to start off your day than ordering room service or grabbing some pastries from the local boulangerie and enjoying them while overlooking the skyline.
Capture an Iconic Shot of the Eiffel Tower
There are so many spots to get a good view, but my favorites are Rue de l’Université, Avenue de Camoëns, Place du Trocadero, and Champ-de-Mars. These places can get quite busy, so it’s best to visit early in the morning to avoid large crowds. You can also see the Eiffel Tower from one of Paris’s many bridges (Pont de l’Alma, Pont de Bir-Hakeim, and Pont Alexandre III are great) for an equally mesmerizing view.
Sip Hot Chocolate at a Cafe
I can’t think of anything more quintessential Paris than sipping hot chocolate in a cafe. While
Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots in Saint-Germain-des-Prés are full of history and the perfect spots to enjoy an afternoon people watching, I think their hot chocolates are a bit overrated. Instead, try Angelina and Carette for rich and velvety cups of chocolate perfection. You must get it with the cream!
Go Museum Hopping
With so many incredible museums, it’s hard to narrow down which ones to visit. For first timers, you must stop by the Louvre and explore its famous galleries. For art enthusiasts, Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie are absolute musts. As a Monet enthusiast, seeing the Water Lilies in real life was so surreal. And for fashion lovers, Galerie Dior is one of the best exhibits I’ve ever seen! Everything was so beautiful and I learned a lot about Dior’s history.
Treat Yourself to Macarons
You can’t go wrong with Ladurée and their beautiful pastel creations, but I’m a big fan of Pierre Hermé for their unique flavors. The ispahan is one of my favorite desserts of all time — a rose macaron sandwich with rose petal cream, fresh raspberries, and lychee.
Relax Along the Seine
No trip to Paris is complete with a visit to the Seine. Whether it’s taking a stroll or boat ride along the river and admiring the architecture or browsing the bouquinistes for some secondhand books, there’s something so calming about being by the water.
Have a Picnic in the Park
Paris has so many peaceful parks where you can sit down with a book or have a picnic with friends. My personal recommendation? Jardin du Luxembourg in the 6th is especially beautiful in the spring and summer, and Place des Vosges in Le Marais is so picturesque in the fall!
Explore Montmartre
I love Montmartre so much that I dedicated an entire section to it! Every time I visit Paris I find myself coming back here. Montmartre is such a whimsical neighborhood full of hidden gems. The Abbesses metro station is one of the last ones of its kind, and Rue de l’Abreuvoir is one of the most photographed streets in Paris. Of course, you must visit Sacré-Cœur — climb up the steps for a sweeping view of the city. There are so many boutiques here as well, making it a shopper’s dream. The Maje outlet was amazing, with a vast selection and so many good deals. I also love Fragonard for perfume and Telle Mere Telle Fille for affordable and quality jewelry. Don’t leave Montmartre without stopping by Le Vrais Paris bistro for a meal. A local recommended it to us and I can confirm it’s absolutely delicious. The duck confit was probably the best duck I’ve ever had in my life.
Enjoy a Classic Meal
You know those meals you can’t stop thinking about long after you’ve eaten there? Well, Pink Mamma and Le Train Bleu definitely make that list for me. There are so many wonderful places to eat in Paris and I have yet to try them all, but these two meals live rent-free in my head. The truffle pasta at Pink Mamma is so good I still dream about it, and Le Train Bleu (located inside Gare de Lyon) is one of the most stunning restaurants I’ve ever been to. While it’s a bit pricey, it’s definitely worth the splurge.
Go Shopping
As an American, one of my favorite things about shopping in Paris is the VAT refund! Prices are already a lot cheaper in Europe for European brands, and with the tax refund it’s even more of a steal. The department stores in Paris are in a league of its own — Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché are must-visits. Be sure to go to the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette for an iconic view of the city! Other stores I always stop by at are my beloved Sézane (so much more affordable than the US), Sandro and Maje (especially during sale season in January and July), and Polène (such unique bag designs).
And there you have it! I hope this Paris bucket list helps you create a heartwarming adventure that you’ll always remember. While I’ll be daydreaming until the next time I can visit, for now I’ll be living vicariously through Emily in Paris…
À bientôt, Paris!
