There are so many cool things to do in Paris

There are so many cool things to do in Paris that sometimes it may seem like an uphill battle trying to narrow down your Paris bucket list!
 
And I’d agree that's a good problem to have; trying to figure out what are the best places to see the sunset or grab a traditional French meal that’s not too pricey or simply try a spot the locals also hang and love. 
 
Not to worry I’ve got you covered with this curated list of 10 things to do in Paris, whether you’re a first time traveler or bonafide returning Francophile. 
 

1 . Rooftop or Eiffel Tower View

If you're visiting Paris for the first time you will want to see the city from up high or to get “the” Eiffel Tower view shot. It may be a bit cliche for some but you don’t want to live in FOMO (fear of missing out).  Here are my two favorite locations to see Paris from above 

- Go to Galeries Lafyette dept store rooftop, take the escalator all the way to the 6th floor. It’s free and open to the public and look at this view !
 
Not to mention you can couple the experience by visiting one of Paris most iconic shopping destinations and department store: Galeries Lafayette, where you’ll have your pick of high street fashion and beauty brands. 
 

- Dinner at Les Ombres
A romantic dinner for two at Les Ombres will give you a pretty view of the Eiffel Tower with delicious food and lively ambiance. 
 

2. Pretty Paris Streets

- Rue Cremiux or La Maison Rose in Montmartre both are instagram worthy locations! 
 
The powdery pink and blue apartment buildings on this street are worth discovering for a walk. Close to Bastille, it’s a rather residential street that’s unlike any other in Paris. For all the aesthetic lovers of a amazing background, you’ll enjoy it. 

La Maison Rose in Montmartre is the pink house on the hill across from the only remaining vineyard in Paris!
Just a 5 min walk from the sacré cœur church and artistic Place Tertre.
 

3. With Kids

There is usually a children's Exhibitions at La Viellte; a massive outdoor park. 
This is one of the largest parks in the northern part of Paris. Always lots of activities and a great place to wander along the canal de L’ourq and see alternative Paris; local families playing ping pong, pétanque or simply picnicking. 
In the summertime the city of Paris sets up tons of activities along the canal for kids as a part of the “Paris Plage” series aka Paris Summer Beach. 
 
Right now we have “Pop Air” at La Villette
 

Kids gallery at Centre Pompidou 

This spot is one of the coolest little museums for little people inside Musee Pompidou; an entire floor made into a mini-me version of their temporary exhibitions. Already the design of the exterior of the museum is a fun mixture of colorful massive pipes. 

Outside there is also a cool esplanade to sit and chill or take in the Kandinsky Fountain, with lots of street performers. 

 

4. Lunch at Bouillon Pigalle or Cafe Charlot

If it’s inexpensive traditional French food then you have to go to Bouillon Pigalle. The 2nd floor is perfect to overlook historic Place Pigalle. Enjoy some French Onion Soup, Escargot or keep it simple with some Steak Frites. 


 
Now, If you’re looking for a cool cafe in a trendy neighborhood with a mix of salads, burgers and some traditional food then Cafe Charlot in the Marais is it. A great place to watch Paris pass you by from one of its corner terraces. 
 

5. Street to Wander - Rue Montorgueil

One of the must-visit streets of Paris with a bit of everything from bakeries to Cheese shops, flower shops, wine shops and local preferred cafes. 

You’ll also find the oldest bakery Stohrer here  !
 

6. A Parisian Dinner at Robert or Relais de l'entrecote

For a typical local cool bistronomy experience head over to Chef Daniel Morgan’s table at Robert. 
If you’re more for traditional no fuss French food like Steak Frites go to Relais de L'entrecote. You won’t be able to make a reservation so just show up. 
 

7. Drinks at Hemingway Bar and Candelaria

Gift yourself a night out at the Hemingway Bar for a fancy drink, get all dressed up for a 10 out of 10 experience or go hang with the cool kids at Candelaria. A trendy bar in the artsy Marais neighbourhood; try their banana liquor cocktail.

8. French food market and Brocante

Marche d’aligre is the quintessential Parisian weekend market that locals flock to for the best fruit and vegetable stalls and adjacent antique market. It’s really a great place to go on a Saturday morning and just grab a croissant at any one of the bakeries. Wander around inside the covered market but outside is where the real energy is. Bargain hunt for the best antique find and skim trough vintage books.

9. Seine River islands and Boquinits

Visit the oldest part of Paris along the Seine River and wander along the boardwalks of Ile Saint Louis and Ile de la Cite. Go see Notre Dame Cathedral ( from outside as it is still closed for renovation) and pick up a rare book or poster from one of the traditional booksellers called bouquinistes. 
It’s one of the most charming parts of Paris!
 
While you’re in this part of town you can also stop into the oldest English speaking bookshop in Paris, Shakespear and Co.
 

10. Sunset at the foot of Montmartre

Take a walk around sacre Coeur in the evening and watch the sunset over Paris. What a view! Head up to Montmartre and stand on the steps of the highest point in Paris, at the Sacré Coeur Cathedral 
at nightfall when the crowds start to fade and the golden light starts to hit on Paris. 
 
Wander around and walk 5 mins to the only remaining vineyard in Paris at Clos de Montmartre. 
 
There you have it, my list of top places to discover on your next trip to Family. I hope it’s been insightful and I’m sure you’ll have fun discovering local Paris with some of your bucket list spots.