My Recent Trip To Paris and My Top 10 Paris Tips

I was in Paris for 10 days in July with my daughter. Every time I go, I learn new things that I don't see on other Parisian guides. Here are my favorite Paris photos and some practical advice & tips!

I’ve spent a decent amount of time in Paris over the last few years and every time I go, I’m 90% in love with the city, and 10% slightly frustrated. I think that’s travel in general though. Nothing is ever going to be perfect, expect that things WILL go wrong, but that there’s a solution for everything. And some of the things that are frustrating are preventable.

10 Paris Tips That Don’t Make the Other Guidebooks

These are in no particular order. They’re just what come to mind and stand out.

1. If you want a meal (especially dinner) other than from the endless stream of literally thousands of Parisian cafes on every street, you will likely need a reservation. Do your research. Paris is home to currently 522 restaurants in the Michelin Guide. Many are closed Monday. Even if you’re not in the market for a Michelin star meal, you’ll still have a smoother experience with a reservation at many very good to finer dining restaurants. Take Precope for example, in operation since 1686 and reportedly was Benjamin Franklin’s stomping ground, while it’s not Michelin, it’s nice and you need a reservation.

   

2. It is entirely possible to have BAD food in Paris, which is largely preventable! There are sidewalk cafes that are consistently crowded, and you’ll see them as you walk by. Chances are the food is better than others, but not a guarantee. Some fill up as watering holes and the food is very mediocre. Read the menus before you enter. And don’t get to the point you’re dying of hunger before figuring our your next meal. Been there, it’s the worst. Most cafes have very similar items on every menu. Escargot, grilled chicken Caesar salad, steak frites, Croque Madame, a variety of cheese, and creme brulee, to name some standard fare. And while it’s fine for the second or even third time in a few days, it gets old. Back to do your research if you’re picky, your family is picky, you’re a foodie, you need variety, etc. - which is all of us! Here we are at Sip on Rue du Babylone in the 6th in Saint Germain in the first photo and then food from a smattering of random cafes throughout Paris below. And…you may likely get sick of French food and want Indian or Asian - we loved Roof for dinner with an Asian-inspired menu (reservations required) or Mexican. Our fave fast-casual Mexican is BocaMexa (no reservations necessary).