Paris is a big city with lots to do, and it may feel like a huge undertaking to figure out what you’ll do when you visit, but it’s possible. Admittedly, I’m a New Yorker, so I’m used to city chaos, but I promise you can do it. If you’re on the East Coast, a quick jaunt to Paris could be worth your time for a short getaway. I went for 48 hours for a brand dinner with Martell. The dinner was at night, so I had a lot of free time during the day to get a quick glimpse of the City of Lights.
As you plan your escapade to Paris, consider these tricks that will bring your experience to life. From where to stay to what delicious foods to try, each decision can make your short getaway truly memorable. That said, once you’ve settled on accommodations, your next step is to immerse yourself in the vibrant Parisian culture and lifestyle. Let’s dive into some must-visit spots and handy tips to help you navigate the city like a pro.
Enjoy the Stay at Home Vibes
Make your home base the Pley Hotel. It’s an adorable four-star boutique hotel located about a 10-minute walk from the Champs-Élysées, a beautiful avenue you will likely want to see. If you make it to the Champs-Élysées, you’ll also get a glimpse of the Arc de Triomphe and the Grand Palais.
Be an Efficient Tourist
Let’s be real, we all probably crack jokes about how clueless, or cliché tourists can be. However, when it’s our turn to play tourist, it’s still fun to view historic landmarks. Visit the cliché landmarks. See the Eiffel Tower. The best way to see it, according to a local I met on my trip there, was to go to the Trocadéro. Some landmarks are within walking distance of each other, such as the Louvre and the Notre Dame Cathedral, but getting around is easy. Keep in mind that if you want to visit a museum, you need to get your tickets days, maybe even weeks in advance, because museum tickets in Paris are in high demand and sell out fast.
The Metro
If you’re used to living in a big city with a metro system, then the Paris metro will be like second nature. Even if you’re not used to taking the metro, it’s still easy to navigate with the help of your own transit apps, but their transit system has interactive maps with touch screens that can point you to where you need to go. You just load up your MetroCard and go. The French metro is clean, but it gets crowded, so keep your belongings safe and keep your head on a swivel.
Try Everything
I’m going back to try more food. The hotel I stayed at offered a breakfast package, which was helpful, but make sure to try La Coupole for a very French experience and, believe it or not, French McDonald’s is interesting too.
Treat Yourself to Some Shopping
Shopping is a given. Check out local pharmacies, where you’ll find a variety of French perfumes and skincare. There’s also luxury shopping if you have it. The cool part is that you can get your taxes back for goods you purchase at the airport on your way home.