72 hours in Paris.
Bonjour! It’s been three years since I first visited Paris. Tbh, it was more of a taste of Paris because the last time I visited my friend and I were there for A DAY! We had so much fun and we knew that one day we would be back for longer. This time around we spent a full weekend that felt like one of the best weekends of our lives.
I don’t know what it was about this visit but Paris felt magical. I look back at my photos and I see a genuine look of happiness. Unlike our last visit, locals were kind, helpful and didn’t make us feel dumb just because we came from America. We had a list of things to do and before we dive in, one pro-tip: book tickets or make reservations for everything in advance. You will save so much time and hassle!
COVID RESTRICTIONS
As of September 2021, all we needed to enter into France was our vaccination cards. To enter back into America, we needed a covid test. Pharmacy’s all throughout Paris offer Covid testing that cost us 25 dollars. The pharmacists have you scan a PR code and once you complete the form, they have you go outside to the testing area. Our experience was quick & gentle and we received our results in under 30 mins.
WHERE TO EAT
L’As du Fallafel
For all my vegetarians, this one is for you. Located in the heart of what was once Paris’s most vibrant Jewish neighborhood, ‘As du Fallafel is probably THE busiest fallafel cafe. The sandwich contains the super-crisp fallafel, garlicky chickpea fritters, with creamy hummus, pickled red cabbage, cucumbers, eggplant and spicy harissa. All piled into a pita making you think “Wow, how am I going to eat this!?”.
However, you have two options; order take away or dine in. We decided to take ours to go and found a table around the corner to sit and eat. Be prepared for a ridiculous long line for take away, but tbh, it was really worth the wait. Why is this place so popular? It was recommended by Lenny Kravitz. There are other fallafel cafes around, so if you’re not into the hype, you can support surrounding business that probably so an outstanding fallafel as well.
Located at 34 Rue des Rosiers, 75004 Paris
Angelina’s
The prettiest cafe I have ever been in with the floral decor and the renaissance art – all of it makes you fell like you stepped into Marie Antoinette’s palace. We wanted a place to get hot chocolate and macaroons and this is apparently THE place. As beautiful as it was, the food was whatever. I dont mind waiting in long lines if it means that were are going to have something fantastic, but to be given what seemed like frozen food, it’s just not worth it.
I would however recommend Carette. We stopped here years ago and everything was so fresh and delicious. It’s a popular IG place now so hopefully the food quality hasn’t changed. The best part about hot chocolates in Paris is that the chocolate is thick and warm, you are given a mountain side of whip cream to mix in. Creating a prefect cup of hot chocolate, you’ll never go back to watering American hot chocolate again.
Location: 226 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris
Le Café Marly
Enjoy yourself on the terrace that overlooks the pyramid at the Lourve. You typically need a reservation to save yourself a long wait. We arrived early as they were opening and were lucky enough to get a table right away. We wanted to sit on the right side of the terrace but that specific area is reservations only. So, we sat on the left side and it was great. We still had a great view of the pyramid and had a relaxing breakfast under the beautiful terrace.
I randomly decided on eggs with salmon because we had a lunch reservation at Pink Mamma. I didn’t want anything too filling. Little did I know I was introduced to my new addiction, french eggs!! These eggs were perfectly scrambled in butter and cream and topped with the freshest smoked salmon. Everything melted in my mouth and each bite was followed with an “omg”.
The restaurant staff were also extremely charming and engaging. I think they found us to be the entertaining as we marveled over the food lol.
Located at 93 Rue de Rivoli, 75001 Paris. Make a reservation with Google
Pink Mamma
Pink Mamma is an Italian-centric restaurant located in Paris. The four flights of stairs that take you up to the most Instagrammable dining room—the giant skylight for a roof! Get those little legs ready for all the steps. There are plants everywhere, beautifully decorated furniture with mixed prints. Be prepared to marvel over the menu. The pasta is house made, the steak is prepared Firenze style and the pizza is incredible.
Located at 20bis Rue de Douai, 75009 Paris. Make a reservation via sevenrooms.com
WHAT TO WEAR
Packing for Paris is always easy in mu opinion. Pack the best basics you have and dress them up with accessories! I have a dedicated blog post with all the details, here.
WHERE TO GO
LOURVE:
EIFFLE TOWER:
SACRE COEUR:
MONTREMONTE DISTRICT:
ANY CHURCH
CAMERA GEAR
I debated whether or not to take my camera with me now that I have the iPhone 13 pro. I ended up leaving my Sony A 7R iii behind, which was difficult to do. I did however take my Canon vlogging camera with me and figured if I need to resort to a camera for a particular photo, my Canon can do it all.
I was blown away with the iPhone. It did it all, take incredible photos and videos, I honestly couldn’t believe it. The ONLY thing that I need to figure out is how to turn off the auto-edit feature. Other than I LOVE the way all my photos and videos turned out.
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I hope this updated Paris travel guide helps spark the wanderlust in you! Remember to save all the places on Google Maps and then download the map for easier navigation when abroad. Safe travels!
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