Even while living in the most exciting and culturally rich city in America, I often find myself longing for the quiet elegance of Paris.

Its my favorite place to visit, however when an 8 hour flight across the Atlantic isn’t possible, there are actually quite a few places in NYC that create a small slice of the City of Lights.

Below are 10 of my favorite New York spots that look like Paris:

1. Washington Sq Park

This beautiful downtown park always has pianists and jazz musicians filling the air with gentle notes while friends hang out near its beautiful center fountain, overlooking the iconic arch, modeled after the Parisian Arc du Triomph.
Note, if you’re hoping to take photos, get to this locale at dawn. The park is one of the busiest spots starting as early as 9am, with NYU students rushing to classes.

2. The Met

One of my favorite places in New York, the metropolitan museum houses everything from Ancient Greek statues, to musical instruments and even a fashion wing! Spend a long morning here taking in the art, and be sure to explore The American Wing and Greek & Roman Art for a little slice of European architecture

3. The Conservatory Gardens

These incredible European-style gardens sit just above The Met, at Central Park West and 105th St.

The incredible iron gates open up to pristine gardens and fountains that feel like a mini Versailles. The park has cherry blossoms in the spring, and beautiful fall foliage in autumn.

4. Bar Tabac

One of my regular Brooklyn spots, Bar Tabac is a classic French cafe seated in trendy Cobble Hill. The food is fantastic and the atmosphere feels like a warm afternoon in Montmartre.

5. Central Park Amphitheater

A quiet spot among the busy middle of Central Park, this nook is a great little spot for an OOTD. It’s an easy walk into the park from the West 72nd St entrance!

6. New York Public Library

I regularly shoot here for a parisian vibe in the center of Midtown. The NYPL is connected to Bryant Park and overlooks 5th Ave, so you can pop over to the Breads Bakery stand for a croissant after shooting!
(This is another high-traffic spot, especially on weekdays, so come to shoot before everyone is getting off their morning commute!)

7. Cafe Dante

This charming West Village cafe is almost like sitting outside in Monmartre. The food is amazing, the staff is always welcoming, and if you catch them at an off-peak hour (i.e. a Tuesday at 11 or 4) They’ll usually let you snap a few photos in a chair outside.

If you do choose to dine (and I highly recommend it) make a reservation for dinner or pass by and see if there’s an open seat at the bar. It’s always a busy spot, but so worth it if you can snag a seat!

8. L’Appartment Sezane

One of my favorite clothing stores to shop, and located right in the heart of Soho, so it’s easy to pop over on your next weekend shopping trip. L’Appartment is always impeccably decorated, and has a rotating floral display on the front of the store, plus a bistrot table where photos are not only allowed, but encouraged. Snap a few pics out front and then take a stroll through the shop for beautiful Parisian inspired pieces!

9. Grand Army Plaza

If you can make it to Brooklyn, the arch at Grand Army Plaza is even bigger and more ornate than Washington Square. It’s also MUCH less populated, so it a great place to shoot anytime! Get there easily by the 2,3,4,B, or Q! And while you’re there, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Prospect Park, which is just steps away.

10. Upper East Side

Specifically, 72nd St between 5th and Madison Avenues sits the Henry T. Mansion, which looks like a quintessential Parisian dream. You can wander the entire UES and find pretty Parisian apartments, but this one is definitely top of the list.

If you know of any good spots,drop them in the comments below!

à bientôt,

Audra