It is hard to believe that I lived in Paris for six years, and this will be my first blog post about this remarkable city. It is in anticipation of us taking a two-week trip in March and “house-sitting” at a friend's place. It is low season, so our flight was quite affordable, and then the next significant expense is always accommodation, which will be covered.
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Paris Cheat Sheet
Overview
Paris, the City of Light, is renowned for its art, fashion, gastronomy, and culture. This cheat sheet provides a condensed guide to navigating Paris effectively over a long weekend, focusing on key attractions, dining, accommodations, and unique experiences.
No matter where you plan to visit, ALWAYS book your reservation and tickets online beforehand.
Not covered in this checklist are many wonderful parks and famous cemeteries. Both are worth considering if you have time during your visit. No visit to Paris would be complete without a day trip to Versailles.
Key Attractions
| Attraction | Description | Best Time to Visit |
| Eiffel Tower | An iconic symbol of Paris offers stunning views. A tourist must, but crazy busy. | Early morning or late evening |
| Louvre Museum | World's largest art museum, home to the Mona Lisa. It's too big and busy, so I recommend Musée d'Orsay instead. Be sure to head to the 5th floor | Wednesday or Friday evenings |
| Notre-Dame Cathedral | Gothic masterpiece finally restored. Free entrance, but go online to book a time slot up to two days before to reduce wait times. | Early morning to avoid crowds |
| Champs-Élysées | Famous avenue dotted with shops and cafes. Walk down it, but do not buy or eat here. | Late afternoon for sunset views |
| Montmartre | Artistic neighbourhood with views and the Sacré-Cœur. Take the funicular up and walk down. | Sunset for stunning vistas |
| Seine River Cruise | It is a relaxing way to see the city from the water. Baton Mouche is a must, or I would recommend considering a dinner cruise. | Evening for illuminated landmarks |
| Fondation Louis Vuitton | Excellent museum next to Bois de Boulogne | Daytime and enjoy the park |
| The Tuileries Garden | A public garden between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde | Enjoy a break between visits |
| Montparnasse Tower | A view of the Eiffel Tower and the Paris skyline from the Montparnasse Tower observation deck. | Sunset |
| Le Marais | A trendy district filled with historic architecture, boutique shops, and art galleries. Visit Place des Vosges, Paris’ oldest planned square. | Day or night, it will be crowded but fun. |
Luxury Dining Options (overpriced and over-hyped, in my view)
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Notable Features |
| Le Meurice | French | Michelin-starred dining, elegant décor |
| L'Arpège | Vegetarian French | Focus on seasonal vegetables, quaint |
| Restaurant Guy Savoy | French | Michelin-starred, exquisite plating |
| Le Cinq | French Gastronomy | Located in Four Seasons, luxury ambiance |
| L'Oiseau Blanc | French | Rooftop views of the Eiffel Tower |
Consider the Train Blu in the Gare Lyon (very expensive but fantastic). Also, the Le Relais de l’Entrecôte is the best and cheapest steak frites in Paris, but the wait can be up to 90 minutes.
Top Hotels for Luxury Travellers (not that I ever stayed in a hotel here)
| Hotel Name | Location | Notable Features |
| Shangri-La Hotel | Near Eiffel Tower | Opulent rooms, world-class spa |
| Hôtel de Crillon | Place de la Concorde | Historic luxury, stunning interiors |
| Le Ritz Paris | Place Vendôme | Iconic luxury, famous bar Hemingway |
| La Réserve Paris | Near Champs-Élysées | Boutique hotel vibe, personalized service |
| Four Seasons George V | Champs-Élysées | Renowned for hospitality, Michelin-rated |
| Hôtel Plaza Athénée |
Avenue Montaigne | Fan-favourite films and TV shows |
Local Experiences and Tips
- Paris Pass: Consider purchasing a Paris Pass to access many attractions and skip-the-line efficiency.
- Public Transport: Use the Metro for quick transit. Download the Navigo app for schedules and tickets. Usually, individual tickets are a better buy than the visitor passes.
- Dining Reservations: Always book dining well in advance for high-end restaurants.
- Language: Brush up on basic French phrases; locals appreciate efforts to speak their language.
- Walking Tours: Opt for free or paid walking tours to discover hidden gems and local history.
- Common Pitfalls:
- Avoid tourist traps on the Champs-Élysées — seek authentic dining experiences.
- Be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas; keep valuables secure.
Paris Checklist
Plan Itinerary
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- Identify key attractions to visit each day
- Include opening hours and peak times
Book Accommodations
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- Select a luxury hotel or any other that is affordable.
- Confirm booking and check reviews
Dining Reservations
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- Make reservations at top restaurants
- Consider tasting menus for unique experiences
Attraction Tickets
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- Purchase tickets for the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, etc., online
- Consider guided tours for better insights
- Consider a ParisPass or tour that may help avoid the lines
- Skip Disney Paris – too expensive and crowded
Transportation
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- Download the Navigo app for Metro navigation
- Arrange airport transfers (private or shuttle) or use your Navigo app
Pack Essentials
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- Comfortable walking shoes for exploration
- Camera for capturing moments
- Lightweight rain jacket (weather-dependent)
Learn Basic French Phrases
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- Bonjour (Hello)
- Merci (Thank you)
- Excusez-moi (Excuse me)
Cultural Etiquette
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- Familiarize with dining etiquette (e.g., bread on the table while provided is extra, tipping is not necessary except for tourists)
- Understand the local greeting customs
- Be respectful in museums (no flash photography)
Prepare for Currency
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- Ensure you have Euros for small purchases
- Check your credit card's international fees
Stay Informed
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- Check local events happening during your stay
- Review safety and security updates for tourists
By following this cheat sheet and checklist, I hope you can maximize your time in Paris, ensuring you experience the essence of this captivating city.
Enjoy your adventure!
