City trip Paris food spots
Paris and food go hand in hand, everyone knows that, but there is a difference between grabbing something to eat in Paris and dining in Paris. Having a quick bite as a tourist rushing through the city to take in all the highlights is different from someone who books a restaurant weeks in advance to enjoy that one special dish. Both are lovers of art, culture and Paris, but they have a completely different experience of the city.
Paris starts before you even arrive
The way you travel sets the tone for your trip. And if there is one way to arrive in Paris relaxed, it is by train to Paris. No hassle of getting up early for a flight, no queue at the baggage carousel and no transfers from an airport outside the city. You get on, sit back in a comfortable seat (with plenty of legroom), get off and find yourself right in the heart of Paris. Use the travel time to relax. There is a surprising city waiting for you.
Not the famous terraces, but the right ones
The Champs-Élysées has beautiful terraces, but because of the great view, you often pay a premium here. The best places to eat in Paris are hidden in the side streets of Le Marais, in the quiet corners of Montmartre or along the banks of the Seine. Small bistros without English-language menus. Wine bars where the owner pours the wine themselves. These are the places where you can truly eat well.
Street food and markets: eat like a local
A city trip to Paris without a morning at a market is a missed opportunity. The Marché d’Aligre, the Marché des Enfants Rouges or simply the bakery on the corner of your hotel: this is where Paris truly comes alive. A croissant fresh from the oven and a piece of cheese that makes you swear you’ll return to Paris. Street food in Paris is an experience in itself, and this experience should definitely not be missed on your city trip.
Planning a day in Paris around food
Most people plan their day around museums and monuments, with food as an afterthought in between. Turn that around. Choose a neighbourhood you want to explore and first find out where you want to have breakfast, lunch and dinner. Build your day around that. You explore the city without having to fall back on a random fast-food restaurant. Perhaps a different approach from what most people do. Try it yourself and discover how differently Paris can taste.
