Where You Should Stay in Paris
Our biggest recommendation would be to spend your money to stay in an area near the attractions you most want to see. This allows you to walk to most your sites versus spending money on ubers or stressing at the metro. So first things first, make a list of what you want to see and experience in Paris. THEN decide where you want to stay.
We stayed at the Hotel d'Angleterre in Saint Germain because we wanted to walk to most everything including the Orsay Museum, the Eiffel Tower, the Sein and Luxembourg Gardens. We really enjoyed the communal breakfast room where we mingled with other guests and shared recommendations of things to see and do. Highly recommend this charming boutique hotel.
How to Plan your Day's Itinerary
Location, location, location. We recommend pin pointing everything you want to do within google or trip advisor. Then you can see on the map your items and can note their proximity to one another. This way you can plan your walking tour to take in 3-4 things a day.
Ten Amazing Free Things to Do in Paris
Champ De Mars - an expansive lawn before the Eiffel Tower
Sacre-Coeur - gorgeous church with an amazing view of the city from the top of the steps. It is well worth an uber ride up the hill.
Museum of Modern Art It is lovely that among all the expensive museums that Paris offers two for free. If you are into Modern art this is a must see.
Carnavalet Museum This museum is housed in a beautiful building and offers exhibits on the history of Paris in chronological order.
Pere Lachaise Cemetry So much more then a cemetery. With gardens and statues, it is a beautiful place to experience the history of Paris. There is a map at the entrance to help you find the famous people buried here.
Jardin Du Luxembourg is a favorite of ours. It is a wonderful way to experience french culture as many locals use this park daily.
Jardin des Tuileries is a big central landscaped park near the Louvre. It demonstrates the Parisian style of intricate landscaping with an octagonal lake in the middle with benches around to take in the beauty.
Parc Des Butteschaumont is an elevated park in the northeast section of the city that features a lake and waterfall and impressive views.
Church of Saint-Suplpice - a massive 17th century church featured in the DaVinci Code.
Simply walk around your neighborhood and the city to enjoy one amazing site after another. Be sure to pop into local churches as they are all free and offer amazing art, culture and architecture.
Canal Saint-Martin Stroll or picnic along the river Sein featured in countless movies.
Arc De Triomphe We simply took this one in on our drive from the airport to our hotel.
Place de la Concorde is the city's largest public square that served as the site of the guillotine that was used to execute Louis XVI, Marie-Antoinette, Robespierre and many others during the French Revolution.
Affordable Amazing Eats
One of THE BEST things about Paris is the food. And yes, you should splurge on the steak frites and the amazing spiced gravy they serve with them. But for breakfast, lunch and snacks just pop into a Boulangerie and have the best sandwich and coffee of your life for just a few euros.
And 3 Things You Should Splurge On in Paris
Musée d'Orsay This grand Museum was once a train station featured in the movie Hugo. It is less overwhelming than the Louve and has an astounding collection. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance as they often sell out.
Seine Night River Cruise Take in Paris at night on this elegant river cruise complete with a fine dining experience.
The Pantheon offered us an alternative view compared to the Eiffel Tower. It was much cheaper (and at about $13 not a really a splurge) with virtually no line at all. A stunning building on a grand scale.
