Magali's Guide to Paris

Recommendation List

This is my list of recommendations and things to see that I've been curating on and off since 2008. This is the new format I migrated to in 2023 (write-up here, for the curious) so I can more easily share it with my friends and family (I recommend using desktop, the mobile user experience leaves something to be desired as of last update in March 2024.)

Navigation

Arrondissements are basically zip codes here; there are 20 in Paris proper. They start at 1 and spiral out clockwise from the Ile de la Cité/right bank. That means that often things in one arrondissement are across the street from things in another; you get used to it after a while. You can either use Google maps (mostly fine) or download the app CityMapper, which is brilliant and works in other large cities as well. Although I’ve given metro stop locations for some of these places, the bus is often a better way to get around—you can see everything! It usually just involves a bit more time/walking.

Crime

Paris is a very physically safe place (I have personally never felt unsafe even wandering around late at night). However, pickpockets are everywhere—on the metro, on the street, even in restaurants and theaters. Carry a bag that closes with a zipper, don’t keep anything you treasure or need in outside/back pockets, use inside and zip pockets where possible and don’t make yourself a target by waving around wads of cash or wearing a fanny pack or yelling loudly in English in crowded tourist areas. Don’t carry all your cash or cards at one time, and leave your passport at home (carry a photocopy of it instead).

Housing

If for one reason or another you aren’t going to stay with me, the basic rundown is: the lower the arrondissement number, the more central. Also, the more expensive. Ideally, you want to stay within short walking distance of at least one metro stop AND one bus stop, which will widen your transportation options and efficiency. If you have any questions about which of multiple listings or locations to choose from, feel free to reach out and I’ll offer my opinion!

Street art

Paris has some really cool street art, as you will soon discover for yourself. There's even an app called FlashInvaders to find and track the popular "Space Invaders."

Restaurant hunting

There are so many restaurants and so many pockets of Paris. If you don’t like or don’t see a recommendation in your area in my guide, TheFork (aka LaFourchette) is a restaurant reservation and rating site that was acquired by TripAdvisor a while ago. They have tables just about everywhere, extremely good filters, and excellent discounts at a lot of local gems. Just put in the address where you are and you’ll get a list of great options nearby. As a bonus, you usually get a discount for booking your table through TheFork.

Food

Overall, Vietnamese, Moroccan, north African and French food is amazing in France (fringe benefits of colonialism, I guess); anything spicy will inevitably disappoint, because the French do not understand how spice works so even when you ask for something “spicy,” it probably will be very mild. Do not, under any circumstances, order Mexican food in France, it always disappoints... although it's gotten better in the 15-ish years since I've been looking.

Sweet stuff

If you’re on a hunt for macarons or other délices, check out my friend Sarah’s blog post on the best sweets in Paris.