Today is Bastille Day, so I thought this seemed like an appropriate time to offer my top recommendations for Paris. Paris can be overwhelming, but after several visits I have distilled this list down to my all-time favorite things to do (and eat) in La Ville-Lumière. Since it’s me we’re talking about, they are mainly food-focused, but I’ve thrown a few cultural recommendations in to round it out!
21 Fabulous and Unique Things to Do and Eat in Paris
Falafel in Rue Rosiers (pick a line, any long line, all of them are good.)
Crowded tables, friendly service, the best buckwheat crepes and strong Bretagne cider at Creperie Josselin in Montparnasse.
Finding the inner-city vineyard in Montmartre.
Soaking in a spa day at the hammam (communal baths) at L’Institut du Monde Arabe. (Check hours on their website: some days are men only, some days are women only.)
The tasting menu at the excellent Spanish restaurant Fogón. (Babysitter required.)
The strictly locals late night bar scene on Rue Oberkampf.
Sauntering through the painters at work in Place du Tertre at the top of Sacre Coeur and scouting out the moulins (windmills) tucked in the neighborhood nearby.
Eating fresh meringues from anywhere.
The dazzling and delightful market food hall at Le Bon Marché near Sevres-Babylone.
The mind-boggling Sunday flea market at Saint Ouen.
Lounging in the grassy area behind the Eiffel Tower.
A visit to one of these crazy-cool eclair specialty shops.
The view from the top of the Pompidou Centre on a clear day (and hey, the art’s pretty good there too.)
Shopping in the Marais, in the alleys and on Rue Tiquetonne.
Taking in the Hotel de Ville as it looks on a dark and stormy night.
Enjoying Monet’s masterpieces in peace at Musee de l’Orangerie.
Sunny afternoons sitting in a cafe on Canal St. Martin sipping on a glass of rosé.
A stop at the venerable tea shop Le Mariage Freres for tasting, sipping, smelling, and presents.
Splurging on a flower arranging course at the Ecole des Fleurs.
Checking the restaurant recommendations from David Lebovitz for the latest on where to eat.
What am I missing? What are your favorite things to do in Paris?