PARIS - 4-days in May

I did a quick 4 day trip to Paris in May with friends who've never been. These are all the spots I took them too and what I would recommend for first time visitors (or if you haven't been in a while). It's a mix of must see/do with a bit of some local recommendations. *We had terrible weather but 90% of my recommendations work for any Parisian weather.

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Traditional French Restaurants

La Fontaine de Mars

@mayasmadi

Visited by locals, tourists, and celebrities alike; this restaurant is an essential to try for local French food. The staff is friendly and the food albeit heavy, is quite good. It's also super close to the Eiffel Tower.

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Chez Fernand Christine

@mayasmadi

Another must try for local French cuisine. It's in the Saint Germaine area so after dinner you can head to Prescription for a night cap.

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Le Relais de L’Entrecôte

@mayasmadi

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Cool Dinner Spots

Kodawari Ramen (Tsukiji)

@TheQueenFatimainParis

The vibe is really interesting! They essentially try to replicate a Japanese market experience but in the heart of Paris. The meals are hearty so be prepared! 🎯 TRY: SHOYU RAMEN DE SARDINE 鰯の醬油

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Derrière

@mayasmadi

This place has the funkiest interior I've ever seen. It's so creative and inspiring. The food is good, mostly your traditional French dishes. Great vibe for lunch, dinner or drinks. Right next door you can check out Andy Wahloo's bar.

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Dessert

Everywhere in Paris has excellent dessert BUT my go to place for a Saint Honore is La Grand Epicure. You won't regret it! Also a great place for food shopping.

La Grande Épicerie de Paris

@mayasmadi

Recommended by a local, and one of the most DELICIOUS desserts, the 'Saint Honore' as Le Grand Epicure is worth the trip. While you're there, browse the endless and international grocery options. You'll want to cook every single day with such a variety.

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People watching

Les Deux Magots

@mayasmadi

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Le Nemours

@mayasmadi

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Cafes

La Maison Rose

@lauradehel

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Les 5 Marches - café cantine

@mayasmadi

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Terres de Café

@mayasmadi

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Art & Culture

Tuileries Garden

@mayasmadi

The Tuileries Garden is right next to the Louvre so even if you don't want to tour the museum, make sure to walk around the garden.

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Tour Eiffel Garden

@mayasmadi

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The Basilica of Sacré-Cœur de Montmartre

@mayasmadi

A tourist hot spot but you have to make the trip up to 18th to see it. It has a spectacular view of the city and lost of nice shops and cafes around. Warning: It's very very busy during tourist season.

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Louvre Museum

@SaltyVagabonds

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The Centre Pompidou

@microcake

Among all the museums I've visited, Pompidou was my fav. It specialized in contemporary art, so expect to see a wild variety of interesting and unique pieces you'd never see anywhere else.

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Bars & Late Night

Saint Germain has a lot of great bar spots, just remember things close early.

Prescription Cocktail Club

@mayasmadi

Locals and frequent visitors always recommend Prescription for it's good cocktails and cool vibe. It's in the Saint Germain area which is full of bars and restaurants. Walk around and explore.

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Soho House Paris

@mayasmadi

Lots of mixed views on Soho house Paris; from my experience, if you can get access then check it out. Their main bar is very nice. Staff is friendly and the crowd didn't feel as pretentious as one would imagine but it is Paris after all. There was a DJ playing in the theater which was cool, but for some reason, Soho people don't dance! The place closes early so make sure you have plans after or head to Le Carmen which is a few min. walk.

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Le Carmen

@mayasmadi

Most places close early in Paris, so if you're looking to party, La Carmen is a good spot and opens till the AM. The top floor is supposed to be a cocktail bar, but come late enough and it's far from it. Downstairs is the main club. We went on a Friday and the music was electronic. They let my friend and I in, both girls but I did notice not everyone was being let in so be prepared. The crowd is young (20's) and very eclectic.

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Le Cabaret Burlesque

@mayasmadi

A hidden gem, I HIGHLY recommend this show! It's on a boat in the gothic quarter; not a big space and quite affordable compared to the other more well known ones. The shows themselves are amazing and the costumes are superb. The MC only speaks French but you don't need to understand to appreciate. You get a free drink with the ticket but no dinner.

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Shopping

La Samaritaine

@mayasmadi

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Galeries Lafayette Haussmann

@mayasmadi

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Printemps Haussmann

@mayasmadi

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Le Marais

@mayasmadi

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La Vallee Village

@mayasmadi

Outlet that's 40-mins from central Paris.

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* * *

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maya Smadi

Marhaba! I'm Maya, just your average travel enthusiast. While I may not be your typical professional travel blogger, I bring a down-to-earth, no-frills perspective to the table. What you'll get is my genuine experiences, straight from the heart. I thrive on organizing itineraries, diving deep into research, and meticulously planning my trips. Trust me, I've been to quite a few places, some even multiple times. I'm all about practicality, making sure to squeeze every ounce of adventure out of my travels. One thing I pride myself on is my knack for tapping into local knowledge. Thanks to my network of friends scattered around the globe, I always make it a point to experience destinations like a true local. Because let's face it, what's better than immersing yourself in the culture and lifestyle of a place? Based in Dubai, UAE, I'm your go-to gal for any insider tips or local insights on navigating the vibrant city. So whether you're planning a trip to Dubai (or the other Emirates) or seeking advice on your next adventure, feel free to hit me up. I'm here to share my passion for travel and make your journey a little smoother.

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