Paris, France

I backpacked here, was here on business a few times, have been on romantic holiday and went in 2009 for a weekend to meet my cousin and her darling family that live in London.  I went back in 2012 with 6-month-old baby Charlie.  What a special place!

Top 5 Hotels

I have stayed here a couple times using Starwood Points, so limited experience.  I really only have stayed at the Westin on Starwood and thought it was a perfect location. I would save your money and just stay someplace central.  You’ll be out exploring and partying, so no need to stay at a nice place.  Look into renting an apartment if you have a few people.

Top 5 Restaurants

I went to this city 2 times and didn't think the food was great but third time was a charm!  I watched Anthony Bordain's 100th episode of No Reservations that covered Paris Michelin Star Chefs that opened casual eateries.  Jackpot!

1. Le Comptoir - One of my favorite dining experiences ever.  This is a cool little rustic place with real French food.  Come hungry.  Amazing.
2. Atelier de Joel Robuchon - His other place is too swanky.  This one is really nice and only Prix Fix but you sit at the counter and they bring plate after lovely plate of deliciousness.
3. Le Chateoubriand - Cool casual eaterie with a simple inside.  Jessica Alba was at the next table. Still pricey.
4. Le Bal - Great brunch or lunch spot near Montemarte.  Cool and casual.
5. Search for the perfect Pan de Chocolate - I hope I never find it.  I want the search to last forever!

Top 5 Things to Do

Where to begin…!  There is so much to do here.  I feel like you could just go to Museums forever.

1. Musee d’Orsay – This is my favorite museum in the entire world.  The artwork is nice, but it is the architecture of the old train station that blows me away.  I could spend a whole day here by just exploring a few exhibits and just relaxing under the sun0drenched windows.
2. Explore Mortmarte – This is a great neighborhood with incredible vistas of the city.  Feels totally authentic.  Just stroll and have a pan a chocolate or glass of pinot gris at every café.
3. Canal Tour  - I know this sounds cheesy, but this is so beautiful along the Sienne, and a great way to get your bearings in the city on the first day.
4. Shop and Stroll St. Germain – Lovely little boutique stores and cafes make this an entire day excursion.
5. Eiffel Tower – This is so lovely at night and worth a tourist trip to the top to see the entire city.

Top 5 Tips

1. Do nothing – This is the best city in the world to just stroll and sit in cafes.  I love Frommer’s Day by Day Paris book for neighborhood walk suggestions.  But don’t follow I all – just loose yourself in it!
2. Just enjoy the attitude -- Yes the French are... well, French.  Don't let them get you down.  If I lived there, I wouldn't want tourists messing with the beauty either.  Just soak it in as part of the experience.
3. Ride the Metro - It is easy and a great way to explore real life in Paris.
4. Museums - This is the best collection of museums in the world.  Hit one a day - d-Orsay, Louvre, Pompidou, Palais de Tokyo, the Modern Art Museum, the Rodin... ah.
5. Get ready to hoof it - I've never been to Paris without some kind of trucking, metro, police strike.  They'll strike anything and it brings the city to a halt.  Yet no one seems to mind.  Don't let it ruin your time.