Exploring Paris: A Local’s Guide to Hidden Gems and Cafés

I never imagined I would make it to Paris, and when I finally did this past year I was in awe the entire time. My picture-perfect visit was filled with delicious food, rich culture, and the occasional language barrier that made everything more memorable.

The Louvre

The Louvre felt magical—everything a traveler could hope for. These photos were taken at sunrise, and standing among those historic buildings as the day began was breathtaking. The architecture and atmosphere are overflowing with culture and history.

This is one of my favorite shots from the trip—it’s simply beautiful.

Eiffel Tower

I visited the Eiffel Tower twice. The weather wasn’t perfect either time, but the tower was still enchanting—I could hardly believe how tall it is in person. No visit to Paris feels complete without at least one trip to the Eiffel Tower.

Paris trip tip: For ideal photos, go around sunrise. Popular spots are peaceful then—Paris seems to sleep in.

For this trip I hired local photographers who knew the area well. That made a big difference—they knew the best spots and timing. You’ll want to return home with plenty of photos from Paris.

These images were taken by Olga from Flytographer.

A huge thank you to Meiry for capturing these images and making a morning in Paris feel so magical. I adored the tower.

Paris Trip Vlog

You can watch my Paris vlog below or on YouTube for higher quality.

These photos were taken in a charming neighborhood we discovered while walking. Paris streets are full of cozy cafés, flower shops, and striking architecture—everything feels postcard-perfect.

You might also enjoy Two Days in Venice or My Rewarding Trip to Italy.

Palais-Royal & Buren Columns

Next are images from Palais-Royal, a beautiful palace in central Paris. In the courtyard are the Buren Columns—260 black-and-white striped columns that resemble modern public art, yet are part of the palace’s storied surroundings.

You might also like a closer look at the Buren Columns at Palais-Royal.

Montmarte

Montmartre is an adorable neighborhood of winding stairs and colorful buildings. You could easily spend a full day exploring its charming streets. I wish I had more time there—I’ll definitely return. The area is full of character and iconic spots.

La Maison Rose is a recognizable photo spot in Montmartre, and I captured a few shots there. Hadi from Shoot My Travel took these photos for me.

My Paris AirBNB

One morning I walked around the neighborhood near my AirBNB with Meiry, taking photos as we went. I stayed in the cutest Airbnb—just a few blocks from the Eiffel Tower in a delightful neighborhood. It was the perfect base for exploring Paris.

So Much to See in Paris

The final photos were taken by the river. Nicole and I arranged a picnic to end my trip—she joined me as a photographer through Italy and met up in Paris for the final day. She was a wonderful travel companion and photographer.

My time in Paris was incredible, and I can’t wait to go back to see more. I felt like I experienced a lot, but there’s always more to explore.

Next time: the South of France!

Thanks for reading about my Paris adventure. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more travel videos and updates.