Paris
For some, it's the city of light, while for others, the city of love. Foodies, however, will each have their own special idea of what makes Paris stand out to them. This is because Paris holds something for everyone. Casual brasseries and bistrots stand just around the corner from some of the finest (and most expensive) restaurants in the world. Cafés, bakeries, and chocolatiers all line the streets. Parisians live their lives out and about, so when you make it to Paris, follow their lead.
What to eat: Everything. Choosing one or even a selection of things to eat in Paris is virtually impossible. There is simply so much good food here that we could easily write another whole guide just on food in the French capital. Paris is a collision of traditional fine dining, regional specialties from all over the country, international influences, and modern, innovative techniques reserved for the fanciest of restaurants. One recommendation would be to avoid the regional favorites from this itinerary, no matter how tempting they may be, so you can try them in their original form. Paris is however a great place to try national favorites like hachis parmentier, croque monsieur, macarons, and the ubiquitous baguette.
Local tips: Start each day with a different pastry from local bakeries. Parisian bakeries can be found all over the place and feature endless variations of baguettes, croissants, pain au chocolat, éclairs, and much, much more.
Sit-down dinners at brasseries are a good balance between the food you can order and the price that you'll pay. Chances are you'll have access to typical Parisian fare like steak frites or onion soup. That said, don't let price deter you from a full Parisian restaurant experience. Many establishments off a prix-fixe or "fixed-price" menu option that lets you keep within your budget while still dining out on the town among the glistening streets of Paris.