Let’s face it - when it comes to style, cuisine and wine - the French do pretty well! With world-class fashion and theatre, unrivalled music and clubbing, and an eclectic array of restaurant and bar choices, this is a city built on historical grandeur and everything chic.

Nowhere do all the romantic clichés play more strongly than Paris – the city of lights and of a thousand whispers. Like an impossibly beautiful woman who is placed on a pedestal, the sheer beauty of Paris can be overwhelming at first glance. But don’t let the glittering façade fool you…look beyond the heartbreaking beauty and you’ll find a charming and disarmingly normal city, and people who are not only friendly - but also curious about you (where you come from, your views on politics and so on)! It does take a bit of attitude adjustment though – just give the city a chance; not every Parisian is a snob! Just know, it certainly helps to arm yourself with at least a “bonjour” in their language.

Here, it’s far better to experience the city, than to just look at it. Of course, the Louvre, Pompidou, Musee D'Orsay, the Opera, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower are unparalleled. But, Paris is far beyond the shadows of impressive monuments and grand boulevards. So, skip the endless museum hopping for a day, find your spot in one of the numerous cafés, and watch the world go by. Paris is a city full of romance and passion, so let it sweep you off your feet. Do like the Parisians do: enjoy your morning croissant or Nutella crepe as you stroll along the Seine. Or grab a mobile lunch of a baguette, brie, and sliced tomatoes. You too will feel like a Parisian (just like cute little Audrey Tautou when she portrayed eccentric Amelie) as you slowly stroll through the streets, taking in every smell, sight, and sound

When the sun starts to set, climb up to the top of Paris for the best views and Bohemian vibe in the city. No kids, not the top of the Eiffel Tower. We prefer the steps of Sacre Coeur where you can relax with the locals and a good bottle of wine as you watch the city transform.

Paris is chic, royal, ever-changing and always fascinating, so go ahead and discover where the locals hang out, eat, drink and reminisce about the day’s events in a tradition that’s impossibly French. If you want to run this town like Napolean did, checkout some of our journeyPod Picks and have some fun on us!

Top Paris Picks

Chez Papa - If you want to eat very good (and not expensive) Southwestern French cuisine come to Chez Papa early - because it's always full. With several locations throughout the city, Chez Papa serves dishes in a charmingly old-fashioned way in pots, pans and clay bowls. The service is excellent too – and, if you’re lucky – you may even get a chance to meet the big daddy himself, Chez Papa! The place is vegetarian-friendly, so you may order any of your choices without the meat. And, you can’t go wrong with their omelets, salads and onion pie! If you find yourself at Chez Papa on the busy rue La Fayette, sit near a window for some people-watching.

Buddha Bar – Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get into some trouble. Everyone from flight attendants to die-hard travelers to local Parisians agrees that Buddha Bar is the hottest spot in Paris! As you embark inside, you’ll find yourself greeted with an enormous Buddha who towers graciously over the crowd. Don’t piss him off as you climb the massive staircase to the restaurant and indulge in Japanese-American cuisine. If you’re in the mood for some chow, the most talked about dish here is the grilled duck. Just like their sister Buddha Bars in London and Dubai, this place also lets you dance off those calories after dinner.

Hungry for more? Well, you can hop a transcontinental to DeGaulle right now, but we'd advise you first to check out the rest of our top Parisian night spots at journeypod.com, and be prepared for some serious ooh-la-la.

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