Paris is one of my all-time favorite cities in the world. In middle school, I visited the City of Light for the first time. I brought home so many memories and a profound love for all things French. In fact, my bedroom was decked out in black and white photos of Paris all through high school.
Naturally, when Jon and I moved abroad to live in the Netherlands, I knew I had to make visiting Paris a priority. Did you know it’s only a 3 hour train ride from Amsterdam to the heart of Paris? Weirdly enough, we’ve been in Amsterdam for almost two years, and before this trip I’d only been to Paris for one quick trip at Christmas. Read about that trip in this post.
So whenever the opportunity arises to go to Paris with a girlfriend, I jump on it. There’s nothing better than running around the city of light with a girlfriend taking millions of photos.
Keep reading for the ultimate travel guide for a girls trip to Paris. And let me know in the comments, have you ever been to Paris?
Xx, Kelsey
HOW TO GET THERE
One of the best things about living in Europe is the ease of travel. The Thalys train takes you right from Amsterdam Centraal Station to Paris-Nord in 3 hours. If you book far in advance, tickets can be quite cheap. Our trip came up at the last minute, so tickets were fairly pricey. Still totally worth it in my opinion.
You can also fly into Paris, but the airport is an hour’s drive or train from the city. For me, the extra cost of the train is worth the ease of being dropped directly in the center of the city.
WHERE TO STAY
Paris is such a big city that there are thousands of hotels in every sort of price range. Most recently, I stayed at the Hoxton, which was very chic and easily walkable to the Louvre and great restaurants.
In the past, I have also stayed at the Novotel Eiffel Tower during some of the hottest summer days in Paris. It’s not chic by any means and feels a bit corporate. But the location near the Eiffel Tower is great. It also has AC and is reasonably priced.
My other recommendation if you want a more authentic experience is to rent an Airbnb. There likely won’t be central air, but you’re more likely to get a stunning balcony with a view. Airbnbs in Paris are perfect for a group trip or for seasons outside of summer.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Monsieur Bleu – This is by-far my favorite restaurant. Incredibly chic with a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower. Make a reservation to ensure you get a spot. And sneak down to the end of the patio for the best Eiffel Tower photo.
Girafe – If you’re looking for the ultimate view of the Eiffel Tower, this is it. Make sure to make a reservation in advance, as it’s very popular. Food is pricey, but you’re paying for that view.
Pink Mamma – This is the place you see all over Instagram. Not going to lie, I haven’t been yet, but it’s been on my list for ages!
Pizzeria Popolare – This restaurant is owned by the same group as Pink Mamma. A gorgeous interior and some very authentic Italian food. I recommend ordering pasta, a pizza, and a salad to share.
Maison Nomade – A fabulous vegetarian and allergy-friendly restaurant near Gare de L’Est.
La Terrasse at Hotel Raphael – My favorite thing to do in Paris is to find a rooftop with a view for drinks. The cocktails here will run you nearly 30 euros, but the views of the Arc de Triomphe and Eiffel Tower are worth it. Post yourself here in the afternoon to rest your feet and savor your cocktail for an hour or more.
Perruche – Talk about a stunning view! Hidden atop the Printemps Homme department store, this yellow and white rooftop is what Paris summer dreams are made of. Food is so-so. Recommend getting there early to capture photos with the Eiffel Tower view or heading there at sunset for a drink.
Beefbar – Hilarious that I’ve been to this restaurant, considering I don’t eat meat. But it’s worth it for the gorgeous art deco interior. Cocktails are delicious and even the non-beef food is tasty. They have a tomahawk steak that I think I’ll have to bring Jon back for.
Coco – I’ve been to the restaurant in Palais Garnier for high-tea. Another spot with a stunning interior. And the patio looks fabulous for summer lunches. High tea food is mediocre, but I recommend the fruits rouges dessert. Next time I think I’d try it for lunch or dinner. I spied some burrata that looked amazing.
Miss Ko – This is a nice, more casual meal with some really fresh Asian food.
Ristorante al Caratello – If you find yourself in Monmartre during your girls trip to Paris, find your way to this Italian spot. It’s small and crowded, but get there early to get a seat before the line is down the street. Highly recommend for delicious pasta and seafood in a local-feeling spot.
Laduree & Pierre Herme – Take the time to taste test these two locations for who has the best macarons. I’m already a huge Laduree fan, but have to admit the Pierre Herme ones were fresher. Check out the Champs Elysees locations. Sample one from each store, since they’re across the street from each other.
Une Glace a Paris – Stop here for ice cream while wandering Montmartre. The lavender scoop is like heaven.
Stohrer – This is the oldest patisserie in Paris. Get adventurous and try something new. I stumbled upon the most amazing croissant/muffin hybrid filled with apricot pieces.
Paul – An patisserie to stop in for a quick coffee and croissant. Lots of Parisians swinging by in the mornings on their way to work.
WHERE TO TAKE PHOTOS
With all its beautiful, historic buildings, Paris is ripe for capturing stunning photos. And a girls trip to Paris is the perfect time to capture hundreds of photos without driving your significant other nuts.
Eiffel Tower – Of course the ultimate Paris photo. My recommendation is to get up early and visit Place du Trocadero or Rue de l’Universitié before 9AM to get your Eiffel Tower shots without millions of tourists. Be wary of your bags (DO NOT set them down at any point) as there are a lot of thieves in the area looking to rob unsuspecting tourists.
Monsieur Bleu – This restaurant is perfect for a unique and chic take on the Eiffel Tower pictures you’re always seeing. Make a reservation for dinner and pop down to the end of the patio to snap a picture with a view that looks too good to be true.
La Terrasse at Hotel Raphael – With a view of both the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, this rooftop is ripe for photos. Plus their cocktails make a beautiful prop.
Perruche Rooftop – Looking for a great view of Paris (including the Eiffel Tower)? Hit up Perruche to capture the yellow and white stripes of the rooftop against the most beautiful view of the city.
Jardin du Palais Royal – This spot is Instagram heaven, and no girls trip to Paris is complete without a shot here. Another spot where it pays to get there early. We hit it up at 9AM on a Tuesday, and still had to position ourselves so there weren’t people in our photos.
Arc du Triomphe – We actually got this photo by accident. Kim and I had been wandering the Champs Elysees looking for dessert and decided to walk up to Arc du Triomphe since the sunset behind it was so beautiful. Kim urged me to quickly step off the curb in order to get a shot without any tourists in it. (On the other side of the camera were about 20 tourists with selfie sticks). It ended up being one of my best photos of the trip.
Montmartre – Wandering this area of Paris is ripe for photo opportunities. The streets are narrow and lined with adorable cafes. Take a little time to wander, and I guarantee you’ll find so many spots.
Le Consulat – This is one of the most famous cafes in Montmartre. It’s said to have been frequented by the likes of Van Gogh and Picasso. This area is super crowded during the day and evening, so I recommend getting here before it opens to get a shot without crowds.
La Maison Rose – Probably one of the most Instagrammed buildings in Paris. Another spot where it pays to arrive early. Even before 9AM, we had to wait and take our turn taking photos. It’s a little like when I wrote about Peggy Porschen Cakes in this post. There are crowds of people out front trying to get that typical photo.
Le Vrai Paris – Kim and I wandered down to the Moulin Rouge because I wanted to see it for the first time. On the way back, we passed the cutest restaurant with gorgeous florals. Naturally had to snap a pic. Such a cute find if you’re in Montmartre.
Le Cafe Marly – We actually didn’t make it to our morning reservation here. But if you’re looking for that iconic cafe with a view of the Louvre pyramid, this is it!
THINGS TO DO
My girlfriends and I have all been to Paris previously, so we spend most of our time working, eating, and shopping (the ultimate girls trip to Paris if you ask me).
If you’re looking to do some of the standard sightseeing, make sure to do the following:
Eiffel Tower at Night – The tower lights up for five minutes every hour (on the hour) after it gets completely dark. To me, seeing the tower light up is magical every single time.
Eiffel Tower Picnic – A girls trip to Paris is not complete without munching on cheese and baguette while sitting on the grass in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Louvre – A total classic. The museum is HUGE, so leave yourself at least a half day to see all the major pieces.
Palais Garnier – One of the most beautiful buildings I’ve been in. Also the setting for Phantom of the Opera, which I was obsessed with growing up.
Le Marais – Adorable area of the city for shopping and cute restaurants. Considered the West Village of Paris.
Sacre Coeur – At the very top of Montmartre, this beautiful church is packed in the evenings, but is a really beautiful spot to watch the sunset over Paris.
Arc du Triomphe & Champs Elysees – Often crowded with tourists, this boulevard is wide and has so many of the best stores. Walk all the way to the end to see the Arc du Triomphe
Saint Germain – This area is often what people picture when they think Paris. Grab a croissant and coffee to go and wander these narrow streets.
WHAT’S ON MY LIST FOR NEXT TIME
Musee d’Orsay – I always loved the impressionists growing up, so next time I want to visit this museum.
Versailles – This one is a bit of a trek outside the city, but I’m dying to see the palace and the gardens
What a great post! So extensive and helpful for anyone traveling to Paris! Loving all of your beautiful pictures!
Thanks, Katie! Paris is my favorite city, and there’s SO much to do there!