A Love Letter to Paris

Paris was the first international destination I visited as a child, the first international destination I revisited as an adult, and justly so the location of my first solo trip. It was the place I was first introduced to the European lifestyle, the certain je ne sais quoi that doesn’t exist anywhere else. The Parisian rues, the green parks, chic cafes, and iconic museums have become a scrapbook for my upbringing, a catalog of my individual growth and self discovery throughout the years. For this reason, among so many others, Paris will always hold a special place in my heart.

When recounting my travels, I often find myself raving about Paris. Even more often, I find the victims of my tangents victimized themselves by allegations of Paris being a dirty city, filled with pickpockets and rude French people. I’ll tell you the same thing I tell everyone else (and sometimes have to remind myself of), which is that the best way to travel is to become a fly on the wall. It is neither realistic nor productive to enter a foreign land expecting everything to go perfectly; Language and cultural barriers are very real, and understanding their inevitable impact your experience is a crucial component to having a positive experience anywhere you go, be it across the Atlantic or the train tracks in your hometown. Travel with the intention of being an observer, know you are about to enter an uncomfortable space in which your cultural rules do not apply, and understand that this world does not revolve around you, nor will it cater to you. Take in the city for what it is, and not what you think it should be… And I promise, you will see why Paris has quickly become my favorite city in the whole world.

Seeing as Paris is a hub for international travelers, the city boasts many great hostel options which I would strongly recommend. Although Airbnbs are fairly cheap and plentiful in the city, I would much rather stay in a nice hostel than a sketchy apartment, especially when it comes to solo travel. When booking accommodations in Paris, it is extremely important to pay attention to the arrondissement you stay in. I stayed in the 15th arrondissement (one of the safest in the city), at Hotel Madrigal, which was one of the best hostel experiences I have had. I traveled solo and opted for a single bed in an all female dorm, and was thoroughly impressed by the cleanliness and security they offered at a reasonable price point. Although it is not super central, there is a metro station right next to the hostel that takes you directly into the city center. It is also worth noting that there is  a fabulous restaurant around the corner called Aux Artistes, that offers an exquisite three course traditional French meal at a great price point. I got the tomato and mozzarella salad, steak and frites (obviously), and the chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream. Exquisite.

To that point, it is really easy to get caught up in restaurant culture in big cities like Paris. The last thing you want to do is find yourself feeling obligated to a strict schedule of bookings and reservations. Oftentimes, the best experiences and meals are the ones you stumble upon randomly throughout the day. Paris is not short on incredible restaurants, it is impossible to hit them all in one trip. I recommend making dinner reservations, but leaving the rest of the day open to whatever comes your way. Finding a balance between chance and choice is important, especially in cities with so much to do. I myself am guilty of creating action packed itineraries with bookings after bookings and unrealistic timelines, which is not only unenjoyable, but also inauthentic to the European experience and lifestyle. Plan a few activities that are really important to you, and take things as they come. Sit in a cafe for a few hours reading the new book you just picked up at Shakespeare and Company, people watch in the Tuileries while you soak up the summer sun, or walk down the Seine at sunset with an aperol spritz in hand.

The guide linked below outlines all of my favorites, as well as places I’ve been curating for my next trip. It should be noted that although I have visited Paris a handful of times, I have yet to see everything. I suppose I’ll just have to keep coming back year after year, until I meet a nice French man to give me a green card. Until then,


Handwritten text that says 'with love, Ellie M.' in beige on a black background.
People walking through an underground tunnel in Paris with posters on the walls and a caption that reads 'The only acceptable form of transit in Paris'.
Colorful toy sailboats displayed on a wooden cart for rent, with a sign indicating 6 euros for 30 minutes. There are umbrella and a park with greenery in the background.
Collection of skincare and sun protection products including Caudalie Eau de Beauté, Embryolisse Hydra-Serum, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentre, Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse, La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50+, and A3-13 mask, placed on a person's lap with jeans and a cream sweater.
A lively outdoor café with green exterior, red and white striped awning, and people sitting at tables on the sidewalk; some customers are ordering or chatting, and buildings with balconies are visible in the background.
Display of mannequins dressed in colorful, elegant evening gowns in the Dior Gallery.
A table set with various dishes and utensils, featuring a plate of escargots in shell with green sauce, separate bowls of cutlery and glasses, a basket of bread, and red wine on a red and white checkered tablecloth.
Photo of a person's lap with gray jeans, holding two small black leather wallets with gold initials, and two colorful novelty cards with gold initials, one pink with 'CW' and one red with 'KK'. The caption reads 'The best souvenirs at Officine Universelle Buly.'
Assorted baked goods including breads, croissants, and pastries displayed behind a glass counter at Mamiche bakery.
Plate of French fries and beef in sauce, with a glass of water and a Vittel mineral water bottle.
People standing in line and enjoying wine and sandwiches at a break booth inside the Paris Garnier Opera House with large windows letting in natural light.
A sign for a photo, auto, and mat shop at 53 Rue des Trois Frères, with the sky and building facade in the background.
A table set with a meal at Chez Janouz, including a plate of chicken with rice topped with tomatoes and herbs, a bowl of French onion soup, a basket of bread, and two glasses of water. Salt and pepper shakers are also on the table.
A detailed Paris guide with categories: good eats, to do, night out, shopping, influencer, approved picture spots, and stays, featuring various restaurants, attractions, nightlife venues, shopping centers, and hotels in blue text, with some handwritten notes in pink, green, purple, and blue.