1). Brunch/Breakfast at Holybelly
Found on Rue Lucien Sampaix, an unassuming street in the 10th arrondissement (not far from Gare de L’est), Holybelly’s concept is simple: good food and good coffee. The restaurant has a super casual vibe but their food and coffee is top notch, making Holybelly the place for brunch. It is recommended to get there as early as possible as it’s not uncommon for there to be a line out the door. Go if your flight lands early and you no where to be for the morning.
Address: 19 Rue Lucien Sampaix, 75010 Paris, France
Closet Metro Station: Jacques Bonsergent (line 5)
2). Strolling around Le Marais
An ever changing historic district spread between the 3rd and 4th arrondissement, Le Marais is one of the swankiest areas in Paris, complete with art galleries, trendy restaurants and hip clothing stores. Starting from Rue de 
Rivoli, head north and slowly stroll the quaint streets of the neighborhood at your own pace. Must do experiences include:
- Places des Vosges: the oldest and one of the most beautiful squares in all of Paris (Victor Hugo’s house is located here).
- Musee Carnavalet: a free museum that is dedicated to the history of the city.
- L’as du Fallafel: Probably the best known falafel restaurant that is known for delicious food and quick service. You have a choice of sitting down or getting it to go.
- Musee Picasso: Recently renovated museum that includes more than 5,000 drawings, engravings, paintings, etc from the beloved Pablo Picasso
Closet Metro Station: Saint-Paul (Line 1)
3). Biking in Paris with a Local
Paris has one of the oldest and best metro systems in the world, easily getting you to all arrondissements in mere minutes. However, traveling underground doesn’t allow you to see the true beauty of Parisian streets, and walking takes too long. So why not take a bike tour? Top Parisian guide, Anto, offers both day and night bike tours that are fully customizable to your tastes. Anto teaches his guests how to use the Paris public biking system, allows guests to pick what they prefer to see (scenic, local, monuments), and even offers insider tips for the rest of your time in Paris.
4). Discover the Deliciousness of French Wine
France has been continually making wine since 125 BC and is easily the most recognizable winemaking region in the world. So it makes sense that foreigners would want to taste the best that France has to offer. Of course, there are many places in Paris that you can taste wine but we recommend trying the French Wine Discovery Tour with Millesiwine. Tastings take place at Le Pharamond Restaurant, which is located in a historic ancient wine cellar built in the middle ages. Here, you’ll enjoy 6 wines of different regions, styles and grape varieties with a dedicated sommelier who’ll teach you about the difference between regions, tips on how to taste wine like an expert, and how to read and understand a label of any French bottle.
Tastings start at €110 a person
5). Discover Parisian Fashion
The French have been pulling off the effortless, natural look for years, leaving foreigners perplexed on where Parisians shop. I can tell you firsthand that shopping in Paris can be quite overwhelming and it takes a fair amount of planning. Parisian fashionista, Farhi, offers customized shopping tours that introduce her guests to the secrets of the Parisian fashion scene. Her tours include a rundown on the actual fashion trends of Paris, how to achieve these looks, and of course the addresses of the hottest shops and boutiques in the city.
Shopping tours start at €80 a person
6). Picnic on the Seine
When the weather is sunny and calm, Parisians love nothing better than to have picnics in their beautiful gardens, parks, and of course along the river Seine. It’s easy to grab a baguette and wine from any corner store and set up a picnic, but you can make it even better with a local! Local guide, Anto, offers a “Picnic by the Seine” tour where he supplies good cheese, wine and baguettes while you partake in the relaxing views of the river. This picnic is all about meeting other people, so it’s likely that fellow travelers will be joining you during your picnic and the best part is Anto can give you all the insider tips of Paris (even giving you his cellphone number if you have questions after your picnic).
Picnic with Anto and friends: €29 euros
7). Browse the Christmas Markets
While Paris is magical basically anytime of the year, there is a certain joie de vivre when Christmas comes around. Streets are lit up, vin chaud is readily available, and Christmas markets are out in full force. While many of us know of the famous Christmas market on Champs-Élysées, there are actually many others spread across the city. However, if you don’t have enough time to plan and figure all of that out then I recommend taking a Christmas market tour with Bertrand d’Aleman, a local who can show you how Parisians celebrate Christmas. On his tour, you’ll visit the most authentic Christmas market of Paris, taste marron glacé and vin chaud, eat exquisite chocolate, admire one of the biggest trees in Europe, and much much more!
Dates: November 28th, 2015 to January 4th, 2016
8). Take a Photography Tour
Majority of us have a smartphone and many even have a DSLR camera, making it easier than ever before to capture our adventures. Problem is, majority of 
us aren’t very good at using cameras and we typically end up with shots that are mediocre. If you want pictures that look like postcards, then consider taking a photography tour. Highly rated Paris Photography Tours take guests through the magnificent streets of Paris, exploring the most iconic sights as well as lesser known ones. The three hour private tour teaches photography skills and encourages creativity and photographic development (a lesson that can be used in future travels). For those who want to be in front of the camera, Paris Photography Tours also offer a Portrait Tour. Strike a pose!
9). The “Other” Paris Museums
Majority of tourists will only ever see the Louvre and Musée D’Orsay (both of which are excellent museums) but it’d be a shame to not explore the lesser known ones. If you’re into impressionism then Musée de l’Orangerie is your best bet, housing one of Monet’s most famous paintings “Les Nymphéas” (Water Lilies). For modern art, look no further than the oddly designed Centre Pompidou which boasts more than 50,000 works of art from painters and sculptors like Picasso, Braque, Matisse, Warhol, etc. Another safe bet is the Musée Rodin which is housed in the beautiful Hôtel Biron, a mansion built in the 17th century. Explore the works of Auguste Rodin within the mansion walls and the beautiful garden that surrounds the property.
Musée de l’Orangerie: 1 Rue de la Légion d’Honneur, 75007 Paris, France
Centre Pompidou: Place Georges-Pompidou, 75004 Paris, France
Musée Rodin: 79 Rue de Varenne, 75007 Paris, France
10). Chill at Luxembourg Gardens
When you have a limited time in a city like Paris it’s understandable that you’ll want to try to fit in as much as you can, however, this way of thinking is a huge mistake. Paris cannot, in any way, be conquered in one day! Taking a break is essential if you plan on walking all day and with 23 hectares of nature, the Luxembourg gardens are the perfect place to relax and unwind. Parisians come here to read books, catch up with friends or simply to just enjoy the beauty of the surrounding gardens and fountains. If you somehow manage to find the energy, there are plenty of paths to explore.
Closest Metro Station: Luxembourg (Line 4)
11). Galeries Lafayette/Printemps Roof
After a long day of exploring Paris, can you think of anything better than sipping on a hot drink and taking in the entirety of the Paris skyline? There are actually very few places that you can do this for free, and even fewer places that aren’t swarming with tourists. Cue the beautiful Galeries Lafayette where you can grab a coffee and quick bite from the mall restauarant and head up to floor 7 to get breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower, Palais Garnier Opera house, and the beautiful surrounding buildings. It’s honestly one of the prettiest views you can get without having to spend a dime.
Closest Metro Station: Chaussée d’Antin – La Fayette (Line 7 and 9)
12). Belleville Street Art
The neighborhood of Belleville plays hosts to amazing street art, a rising food scene, and hip cafes. In the center of it all is Rue Denoyez, a short street that is covered head to toe in graffiti (trash cans to lamposts). Once you’re done, take some time to drink great coffee at Belleville Brûerie or highly rated neo-bistro, Chatomat.
Closest Metro Station: Belleville (Lines 2 and 11)
