Note: This article was first published in April 2022 and some details may be out of date.
– I’ve been to Paris so many times, but I’m always just as starstruck when I see the Eiffel Tower!
With the pandemic in the rear-view mirror (fingers crossed), we can finally plan and look forward to some travelling again. But after several years of standing still, you might need a little outside help.
Because where do you eat the tastiest food in Paris, what are the coolest shops in Copenhagen and which is the best rooftop bar in Barcelona?
In this series, Melk & Honning talks to influencers and celebrities to get their tips on big-city favourites around the world.In this week’s M&H city guide we talk to Nnenna Echem.
The influencer, with just over 30k Insta followers, is a big fan of Paris. Here are her very best tips from there.
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What’s the first thing you think of when someone mentions Paris?
– Food and wine! Haha, but that’s because several of my favourite restaurants are in Paris.
What is it about Paris that’s so special for you?
– It has to be the whole atmosphere of the city. Paris has a special charm.
– The first time I was in Paris I was actually disappointed. I couldn’t understand why Paris was such a popular destination, but now the city has become one of my favourites and I look forward to it every time I go, Nnenna Echem tells Melk & Honning.
Which parts of the city are your favourites?
– Le Marais is probably my favourite area in Paris. I think the shopping is best here, and it’s within walking distance of my favourite cafés, parks and restaurants.
Where do you prefer to stay when you’re there?
– I’ve always stayed in either Batignolles, Le Marais or the area around Madeleine. My favourite hotel is Hotel Opera Richepanse. It’s a nice, small boutique hotel located in Madeleine in Paris. Very central!
Where do you prefer to have breakfast and lunch?
– I always stop by Carette for breakfast. There are two Carettes in Paris, but I always choose the one in Trocadero. It has a fantastic view of the Eiffel Tower, and you can take a nice walk down to the Parc du Champ de Mars afterwards.
– I’ve been to Paris so many times, but I’m always just as starstruck when I see the Eiffel Tower!
– Another lunch spot is Cafe Charlot. This restaurant is especially popular around Fashion Week. Probably because of its great location in Le Marais, where most designers have their showrooms.
And what about dinner?
– If you want a bistro dinner without dressing up too much, Chez Janou is a favourite! There’s usually a bit of a queue, but you get a table eventually. Otherwise, Lou Lou is another favourite in Paris. There’s more of a dress code here, and you have to book a table. If you love truffle, I recommend trying the truffle pasta or the truffle pizza here.
Where do you prefer to have drinks – or go dancing – in Paris?
– If you’re going out for a drink, Sputnik is nice, or Le Mary Celeste! Verjus is also a place to go for a drink, but I wonder whether it has closed. If you fancy an expensive drink, Hotel Costes might be worth a visit.
What are your go-to things to do in the City of Light?
– My favourite thing is sitting in cafés people-watching with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine or two.
– I rarely visit the sights in Paris, but it’s always nice to drop by the Palais de Tokyo. There are quite a few exciting exhibitions there!
Which shops do you always have to visit?
– I always visit the Supreme shop in Paris. Otherwise I usually try to visit only vintage shops. I love finding good vintage bargains.
– I can recommend dropping by Thanx God I’m a VIP, Episode, Nice Piece and Kiliwatch.
Do you think you could live in Paris? Why/why not?
– I could maybe live there for periods, but not permanently. I love coming back to Paris to visit, but I’ve never pictured myself living there. It’s probably because I’m happy in my little bubble in Oslo!
Last but not least, can you tell us a good story or a nice/funny memory from Paris?
– I have lots of good memories and stories from Paris.
– One story that for some reason repeats itself every time I’m there is that I always nearly miss my flight home to Oslo.
– Not once on the way from Paris to Oslo has my pulse not been at 200 in the Uber on the way to Charles de Gaulle, because I’m always about to miss my flight, Nnenna Echem concludes.
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